AT approximately 1.15pm on Sunday, February 3, our Nan, Doris Brown, aged 85, developed a serious pain in her left leg.

The emergency services were informed and in a most efficient manner the 999 ambulance controller talked me through procedures until the ambulance arrived less than five minutes from the start of the problem as the two female paramedics were passing the area after completing another job.

It was very difficult to move Nan as some 30 years ago her left hip was broken and she had crossed her left leg over the right leg and dislocated the hip joint. Eventually with medication she was put into the ambulance and taken to Wycombe General Hospital's A & E Department.

After packing Nan's personal items in a bag my wife and I followed on to Wycombe Hospital.

When we arrived at A & E Nan had received X-rays and additional treatment and was more stable and comfortable.

We went back to the hospital as arranged at approximately 5.30pm after the duty consultant had finished major surgery to await his decision on Nan's condition.

By this time the hip had "popped" back into the joint.

The consultant released Nan from hospital and arranged to see her Thursday, February 7 for further investigation.

The moral of this tale is if you have had a new hip joint watch what you do with your legs and do not sit crossed-legged!

The emergency services reacted in a most professional manner and the whole incident was over and dealt with in approximately five hours.

We continually see the bad side of the NHS portrayed vividly in the mass media but do not hear very often about the thousands of cases treated daily to the benefit of the community.

We know the NHS needs major reforms and substantial investment but we must not lose sight of the comprehensive medical cover available within the system.

Our family's very grateful thanks to all the staff on duty Sunday, February 3 who responded so well with a very painful emergency.

Alan Page

Curzon Avenue

Hazlemere

February 14, 2002 13:38