"Recent visit to Emergency Department"

I had to go to our local ED in Albany for severe stomach pains. (Potential Gallbladder infection I thought. ) 

When I arrived they rushed me straight through and immediately put me on heart monitor, morphine through a cannula and a drip. Took me for a scan with contrast and determined that I actually had rare bowel problems. 

At all times I was looked after with care and attention,  everything explained fully and I am very thankful for their expertise and compassion. 

What I'm writing this for though is another matter- whilst there on the ED floor my neighbour in the next cubicle was, I believe, either a dementia or drug affected older patient who was extremely loud, offensive and demanding.  Yet no matter what insults and racial slurs they threw at them the staff were unfailingly kind and soothing. Showing patience I certainly don't possess. The patient was later moved and an hour or so later a young patient arrived under police escort who had been involved in a incident. It seemed to me that they were obviously sedated at this stage, but several hours later when I believe the sedation wore off I saw they were extremely belligerent, vocal, also offensive and must have tested even the staff's apparent amazing patience with their behaviour and unwillingness to co-operate. I observed that their behaviour such that they were cuffed/restrained. 

The fact that despite these incidences the Drs and Nurses I saw remained calm, professional, kind and polite is not only a credit to each of them personally but also speaks to a highly efficient, well trained, professional team. I cannot speak highly enough of the respect I hold for them having this ability in the face of ever increasing scary and dangerous encounters. Beyond Impressed!

I sincerely hope they are receiving appropriate levels of support to deal with the after effects of daily trauma like this.

Thank you,

melonqr38