"Excellent Treatment"

I am currently undergoing treatment with the Cariology Unit at Raigmore Hospital for heart failure, with my Cardiologist being Dr Jamie.

At the beginning of January my wife took me to Raigmore Hospital A&E Department because I was undergoing extremely uncomfortable heart palpations and I pain in my heart area.

I was processed at reception by a very nice lady who was very helpful and understanding.

I was quickly treated at triage by a very competent Nurse, Paul, who quickly handed me over to the Casualty Doctor, Matt.  Matt was brilliant and he soon had me undergoing a series of tests which concluded that I needed admitting.

I was placed in a temporary bed space, which was fine by me as I knew the hospital was under pressure with large numbers of incoming patients.

I received excellent care from the nursing staff throughout the night and I was made very comfortable.  

During the morning I was visited by the new shift A&E Doctor who told me that he would notify the Cardiac Unit that I had been admitted and after a short time I was visited by the Ward Doctor, who I believe was called Aziz.  Aziz was very good and talked me through the transfer process and told me where I was going.

At some point in the morning I was visited by Nurse Mirim who admitted me to Ward GA. Mirim had a very caring nature and made the transition very easy.

On the ward I was cared for by a number of very caring and competent nursing staff and the food I was served was hot, tasty and very nice indeed. On the ward I saw daily routine being competently undertaken by cleaning staff and other non nursing personnel.

For two days I was subjected to a number of tests and observations, and updates from medical staff.

I had a very bad episode after a couple of days in hospital, where my pulse was racing and I had a slightly worse pain in the area of my heart.  A very capable and diligent Nurse, Ruby, came to my assistance and took several ECG readings to capture what was going on with my heart, it was over 200 bpm at one point. Ruby then gave me something to help with the pain while the fluctuation subsided.  I cannot stress enough the capability, cool headedness and tenacity of Nurse Ruby who would not give up trying to get helpful information until she had what she needed.  I was extremely grateful for her care and her reassurance, she was brilliant and a credit to all Nursing Staff.

Then a Cardiologist, Doctor Birkinstead came to visit and armed with the recording Nurse Ruby had obtained, she formed an action plan for me.  I liked Doctor Birkinstead, she was very caring and compassionate but she also had a very straight forward attitude, which as a Yorkshireman I very much appreciated.  I took absolute confidence that the correct course of action would follow!

A short time later I was visited by Doctor James and Student Doctor Jade.  Doctor James was brilliant and explained everything in suitable detail what my next procedure would be, I knew I would be in good hands.

At around 10:00 am I was taken to a small theatre where my heart rate was dropped to below 30 bpm for 10 seconds, it took three goes to crack it, but they got the info they needed. Boy this was some experience and it was like a huge roller-coaster ride.

Then I was denied food for the next 8ish hours as preparation for my next procedure.

I was then visited by Doctor Rory who would be with me at the next procedure.  Again Doctor Rory gave me an excellent briefing and instilled confidence and again I knew I was in good hands.

I was also visited by another Doctor, sadly I can not remember his name as by now I was starving hungry.  I do recall that he told me that he was from South Africa.  He took details from me and again his confidence and capability was quite evident.

At 3:00pm I was taken to theatre by a smashing and very good natured Porter along with my Ward Nurse  where I was introduced to yet another highly professional team of medical staff.  I recall a very nice lady called Shelly, who had an exceptional comforting bedside manner despite her taking a razer to my chest hair! Doctor Rory was also in attendance.

I was sedated and they attempted to realign my hearts rhythm by electrical shock treatment, again I believe it took 3 goes, but it was deemed successful.

This might not be the end of my treatment as there are other issues at play, but at least it buys some time so that a more detailed procedure can be developed.

At around 6:00 pm I was discharged where I have spent the day since resting at home.

I would like to place on record my gratitude for all of the staff whom I met during my stay and those working behind the scenes who make the clinical process as safe and as comfortable as it can be.

Finally I have to finish by giving special commendation to Nurse Ruby as I am extremely grateful to her for the compassion, professionalism and dedication that she showed me in the small hours of Wednesday morning.