Debbie Dorrans has praised the staff at Fullarton Medical Practice and the district nursing team for the “outstanding care, kindness and compassion” shown to her parents, Rachael and John Galloway, over several decades.
The couple lived on Whitletts Road, Ayr, and were registered with the practice when it was based in the town’s Fullarton Street. It now operates from Dalblair Road.
Ms Dorrans wrote a letter to the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Patient Experience Team, which she shared with Ayrshire Live, thanking staff for their support and attention to her parents, who have since passed away.
Letter highlights decades of care
In the letter, Ms Dorrans wrote: “I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the outstanding care, kindness and compassion shown to both my mum and dad by their GP surgery Fullarton practice, Ayr, and the District Nursing Team over the years.”
She added: “My Mum and Dad have been with their GP surgery since moving to Ayr in 1979, when the practice was based in Fullarton Street. The care they have received, particularly since they both became ill, has been absolutely fantastic.”
The letter continues: “At a time when you so often hear complaints about GP surgeries, I feel incredibly fortunate that my parents have been looked after by such a wonderful team. From the admin staff and lovely girls on the phones to the doctors and nurses, every single person has been amazing. Nothing has ever been too much trouble, and I know how much Mum and Dad appreciated and praised everyone who cared for them.”
District nurses praised for comfort
Ms Dorrans also highlighted the work of the district nursing team, writing: “They cared for my mum so beautifully three years ago, and over the last few years have visited my dad three times a week. Their care went far beyond the nursing treatment they provided. Dad absolutely loved their visits and looked forward to seeing them.”
She said the reassurance and support made dealing with her parents’ illnesses easier, adding: “Knowing that whenever I needed anything for them, I only had to pick up the phone and someone would be there to help made dealing with both their illnesses so much easier for me.”
Ms Dorrans concluded: “I cannot thank both teams enough for everything they have done for my parents over so many years. They are a credit to the NHS, and I sincerely hope this message can be passed on so they know just how appreciated they are and the difference they have made to our family.”
Token of gratitude
Ms Dorrans added that she had taken cakes to the teams as a “small token” of her gratitude, though she noted no gesture could truly reflect how thankful she is.
She said: “I only wish I still lived in Ayr so that I could have the same GP surgery myself! I just wanted to email to have them recognised as you only ever hear the bad about the NHS but that surgery and district nurses are a credit.”
