"An area of calm and quiet"

Morning appointment in late February at the Gastro Hub, Ulster Hospital Dundonald Belfast

During the previous two weeks I suffered two attacks of severe pain, with about a week between them, from the centre of my chest through to by back. There was no real sign or feeling of radial pain, it was a central pain from front to back. I saw my Doctor a few days before about it an he referred my case to your Gastro Hub - Rapid Response Department. When I heard that, and, although I knew it had to be done, I was not exactly happy in myself about the idea of spending another 8 hours or more in A&E. That happened about four years when I attended A&E with the same type of pain. Apparently, despite a battery of tests then, nothing could be determined and I was not looking forward to another investigation

So, I arrived at the Gastro Hub for my appointment as scheduled full of apprehension, aggravated by having to drive in 60 mph winds, about what potentially might be before me. Imagine my surprise to find that the Hub bore no resemblance at all to A&E where hustle and bustle and noise were the order of the day but rather, it was an aura of calm and quiet which immediately relaxed me and I remember thinking that this is what a hospital should be and feel like.

The reception staff were very efficient and soon, and on time, I was in the hands of the Hub's medical staff. Firstly a young doctor took me aside and fully explained that I was here for an assessment to hopefully determine what might be the cause or causes of my pain and what procedures might be put in place to make that determination. It was a thoroughly pleasant, informative and relaxing experience. Then I was handed over to a Nurse who triaged me, height, weight, bloods etc. Believe it or not I didn't even know she was taking my bloods until I asked her when she was going to start only to be told that she was taking the second of four phials

Following the triage the Doctor came back and we had a more in depth chat about my pain history and then she did a surface examination of my tummy-chest area, When I asked her what her first thoughts were she suggested that my Gall Bladder was a prime suspect. Also, she confirmed that I was scheduled for an ultrasound scan on early March and that in addition she would be arranging with the appropriate Department for me to have a MRI Scan and that I could expect that Department to be in touch about a suitable time and date. She told me that when all the information was so hard then they could make a decision about my problem. We left it at that.

To sum up. I arrived at the Gasro Hub in an apprehensive mind set and, after experiencing the efficiency, quality and interest of the Hub Staff I left in a very relaxed frame of mind. At every stage I was kept informed of what was going on. I was on my way home within 20 minutes. I doubt if that could be bettered

Finally, my grateful thanks to the Hub Staff for making my visit a really rewarding and enlightening experience compared to my A&E visit.

I thoroughly recommend the Hub concept to the NHS hierarchy.