Usually I am defending the NHS from a workers perspective. Today its from a users perspective.
MY parents are in their 80s and although very fit for their age they do have some health issues.
Last night I got a worried phone call from my mother at 10.30pm. Dad was unwell. She described the symptoms and my advice was "NHS 24 NOW!" She phoned NHS 24, well under an hour a GP was at the house, within 30 mins after that an ambulance was there and the paramedics had him on oxygen and a drip up, by not long after midnight he is in the local hospitals ARU ( acute receiving unit) being assessed.
His condition was not life threatening ie he did not need a 999 ambulance but he did need urgent treatment. It couldn't wait until the morning.
Mother is delighted at the professionalism of all concerned. The system worked as it should and he got the treatment he needed in the timescale that was appropriate without diverting emergency services.
Superb job from the staff. I'd like to put a little praise the way of those professionals who sorted him out and those who have organised such an effective service. Thanks folks - my taxes being well spent.