"Incredibly caring and proficient "

For nearly a year I have been very worried about needing an embolisation to attempt to seal a dural venous arterial fistula. I was admitted for the procedure and was anxious, as a previous admission had resulted in a cancellation, due to an emergency. The team were very reassuring that this second attempt would go ahead, and I was relieved when I was sent for earlier than expected. Everyone who dealt with me was kind, professional and extremely caring. I was kept very calm and relaxed, which made everything less stressful. The team met me before the procedure and checked that I understood what would happen. In the recovery room the nurse was very helpful and phoned my husband to tell him that all had gone well. Back on Dott ward the staff were wonderful. They fully understood my needs and carried out all their observations quietly and efficiently. From the student nurses to the senior staff, they really couldn’t have looked after me better. The day after the procedure the consultant told me that the embolisation appears to have been a complete success, which is amazingly good news as they had warned me that they might not be able to fully seal the fistula. I was given excellent discharge advice, and the staff were very helpful about giving me ample time to contact my husband, as we live some distance from the hospital. My only small criticism is that nobody seems to be answering the phone. As I was feeling very unwell immediately after the procedure I turned my phone to silent. My husband had been trying to get an update on my progress but couldn’t speak to anyone. On the other hand, I totally understand that the high level of care that we, the patients, received might mean not answering phone calls which would distract from nursing responsibilities. To conclude, how incredibly fortunate are we to have access to such dedicated and competent neurological services? I cannot thank the staff and hospital enough. You are amazing.