On New Years Eve 2004/05, my Dad fell and hit his head, knocking him unconscious. It was obvious he was badly injured, so Ambulance was called. Bearing in mind, its probably the busiest day for the Ambulance Service in the year, they were there inside 10 minutes. He was rushed to Frenchay Hospital (Bristol) still unconscious but having moments of flittering speach, and left on a Gurney in the waiting room. Two hours later, still unconscious, his eyes starting going black and puffing up. He hit his head at the back. After my Uncle and Mum were pleading with the receptionist to get someone asap to check him, they finally got the hint, and a junior doctor realised something wasn't right, and rushed him to surgery. He was in intensive care for two weeks, and sadly passed away on the 15th. Our time in intensive care, although deeply terrifying and distressing, was comforted by the fantastic staff and doctors, who did everything they could to ensure we were aware of what was happening, and ensuring the constant attendance from 8am until 10pm of about 30 of our family and friends that we were all comfortable and well catered for.
The only negative with the NHS throughout the whole period was the hold-up with waiting for his injuries to be diagnosed. But I'm consoled by the fact everything else was first class. Frenchay Hospital has a specialist Head Injury Unit that is probably the best in the Country, so he couldn't have been anywhere better, and the Consultant was an American chap, regarded as one of the most respected in the world with regard to brain injuries.
Don't tar them all with the same brush, its an amazing resource that doesn't get the credit it deserves.
