A&E team are thorough professionals

Feb 27 2009 Irvine Herald

I HOPE this letter will express my gratitude to Crosshouse Hospital. I would also like to convey a sense of amusement about the thoroughness of their excellent care I received about a very minor complaint.

I had an accident to my foot two weeks ago. After 10 days I suspected a toe was broken as the pain was not easing. On Saturday, February 14, I decided to phone A&E at Crosshouse Hospital to ask if I could have some professional advice about my ailment. First of all I was spoken to by someone in the call centre. She asked me to identify myself – name, address, date of birth etc. I was then transferred to the A&E Department. Once more I was asked the same questions. Next stage was a triage nurse who made sure I knew my name, address and date of birth – third time. (Date of birth beginning to make me feel very ancient!)

The kind staff told me to come to the hospital to be seen by a professional. How relieved I was. Once more I was asked my name etc. (fourth time) I was now seen by another triage nurse who once more asked if I was Jean Ross and my date of birth (fifth time). After waiting to be seen in the department I felt most relieved.

Once more I confessed to being Jean Ross whose date of birth was.... for the sixth time.

My foot needed to be X-rayed. The pleasant radiographer once more checked me out – yes (seventh time) assuring me that she had to know that she was treating the “right patient.”

A senior nurse confirmed that my toe was broken – treated me and gave me a most generous supply of painkillers. She confirmed it would heal up in time.

I hope this letter expresses my gratitude to all concerned at Crosshouse A&E. They were extremely thorough about such a minor ailment. Thank you.

I hope your readers will also sense my amusement which compelled me to put pen to paper.

In future I will be more careful when I visit the “loo” at 3am that I do not bump into an object that should not have been where it was.

Jean Ross21 Kerr DriveIrvine