"Pleasantly surprised by the wonderful experience at Geelong Hospital."

I got bitten badly on my index finger, after which I went to my GP, got a tetanus boost injection and some penicillin (for in case).

A couple of days later, however, my finger was swollen and throbbing and an angry red colour was starting to spread down my hand. I decided to go to Geelong Emergency Department as I didn't want to loose my finger or get blood poisoning.

I registered as a patient - the staff I saw were efficient and quick. They directed me as to the expected waiting time, where to wait, where the nearest toilets were etc, etc.

I was seen about two hours later (not as long as I thought I would have to wait to see someone) by, I thought, a knowledgeable, kind and professional doctor who after consultation with another doctor, advised me that the best course of action would be to take an x-ray (to ensure there were no breaks), admission to hospital to do intravenous antibiotics at different intervals and to go to theatre to cut the wounds open and flush them until clean.

My drip was put in immediately without the usual digging around to find a vein. The ED waiting room seemed clean and neat. My x-rays were taken without much fuss or drama. ALL the doctors and nurses I saw were friendly and forthcoming with information while maintaining a sense of humour and perfect professionalism. Even a bubble(s) in the drip line was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Once I was admitted to the hospital (there were no beds available elsewhere so I spent my time in Paediatrics - highly recommended as its colourful and you can get ice cream and jelly! ! ! ), the ward staff that saw me were friendly and the doctors still came to see me and keep me up to date.

I did not want to have general anaesthetics for such a short procedure, only local and discussed it with my surgeon. I felt my opinion and choices were listened too and respected. And the stitches are neat and small - I could honestly not have asked for a more pleasant experience due to unpleasant circumstances.

Well done to the ED and all surgical and nursing staff. This is almost exactly what medicine is all about. Keep up the great work.