I have suffered with a phobia of blood tests for as long as I can remember. When joining the NHS as an apprentice, it was a requirement to have several blood tests to ensure that I was fully vaccinated to ensure I was able to work with vulnerable patients.
I was prescribed diazepam by my gp to help with the panic I was experiencing at the thought of having a blood test and went to the City Hospital in Nottingham to try and overcome my fear.
I was taken into a room in the occupational health department and immediately began panicking and crying. I was told to go and visit the walk-in outpatients blood test department where I was reassured and treated with dignity and respect. I did not feel belittled for my phobia and the nurses understood that I was trying to overcome my fear. They normalised it for me. I felt comfortable and like they understood and cared. This allowed me to finally have my blood taken after over 10 years of crippling anxiety and panic. I am so grateful for the nurses that helped me to do this. Although it was a brief interaction for you it has completely changed my life really!
Thank you so much for the care and dedication you show to your patients. You do an incredible job,.
"Overcoming my needle phobia"
About: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - City Campus / Phlebotomy Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - City Campus Phlebotomy NG5 1PB
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