A MAUCHLINE pensioner has leapt to the defence of staff at Crosshouse Hospital which has come in for some recent scathing criticism.

The 80-year-old took ill in the early hours of Christmas Day and was taken into the accident and emergency department suffering from severe leg pains.

Jess McCartney and her husband were destined to spend the day at Crosshouse while most other people were relaxing.

She said: “I was rushed into the hospital at 1.10 in the morning and, after a CAT scan, was diagnosed with blood clots in my legs.

“The staff were excellent and I can find no fault with them as I was treated so well.

“And while my husband was waiting they asked him if he had his Christmas dinner, and when he said no one of the staff gave him soup and sandwiches.

“I know there is an issue at the hospital but there is just not enough staff and I feel sorry for the busy staff who are on duty.

“They tell me that patients come here from other countries, such as America, because it is cheaper for them, but it costs the NHS thousands of pounds.

“I don’t agree with that at all.”

Mrs McCartney contacted the Chronicle to highlight her positive experience at Crosshouse.

Following an unannounced inspection by a team from Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) bosses at the hospital were told to address ‘pressures’ within its system.

Inspectors witnessed two frail patients, including one suffering from dementia on ambulance trolleys in the reception area.

But Mrs McCartney has nothing but praise for the staff who cared for her when her Christmas Day turned into a drama.