"Reassuring endoscopy appointment"

In January I attended the endoscope department at Gartnavel Hospital. I was given both an endoscope and gastroscope

From beginning to end, my experience of the department was one of excellence in all respects.

I have rarely experienced such a great combination of professionalism, friendliness and reassuring care both before the procedures and while both procedures were carried out.

Reception was friendly and an auxiliary noticed that I looked uncomfortable while reading prior to to the procedures and adjusted the bed ; a simple detail which says a lot.

The nurses were exceptionally friendly and were at pains to clarify what would the procedures would entail , but did so in a friendly , caring and reassuring way.

All of this was said in non -technical language and nurses went to great lengths to explain and inform , but above all to reassure that the procedure would be pain free and not an unpleasant experience in the least - which was the case.

Dr Curry spoke throughout the procedures, again in a reassuring and clear and informative way . This was much appreciated and actually allowed me to be an interested spectator of what was happening.

Irene  from the Victoria Hospital Endoscope department had kindly phoned to remind me to stop taking iron tablets which I had previously forgotten to hence this appointment was one which had been quickly rearranged.

I felt ok after the procures and left the ward but had to return as felt quite groggy.

The response was of the same high quality as the rest of the morning : within minutes , I was given ECG etc and was seen twice by Dr Curry who was happy that this was simply the after effects of the sedation.

My visit to endoscope was unbelievably pleasant and I feel that I have experienced the NHS at its best in terms of the procedures and the outstandingly caring and friendly personnel who dealt with me.

It was all very much appreciated.