"Kind, compassionate, reassuring and empathetic"

I was brought to Ayr Hospital in the late evening with severe abdominal pain. After a bad experience at another hospital, myself and my husband were really nervous. We were immediately triaged by a lovely lovely staff nurse called Bethany. Bethany was compassionate and very empathetic, she immediately showed us to a cubicle and said she would let the doctor know so I could be seen quickly and get pain relief. My husband was never asked to leave my side which I was so grateful for!

A staff nurse called Lynda looked after me overnight. She wiped up numerous tears that night, was so attentive and kind - I’ll be forever grateful. Dr Kate (who was a locum that night) saw me swiftly, got bloods sent off, fluids running and pain relief organised. She listened to me and organised a surgical review. We both really appreciate your professionalism, kindness and knowledge.

Andrew (a nurse support) done extra bloods and was also so kind and supportive. Dayshift in A&E I was looked after by a staff nurse called Jo and her final year student (so sorry I never caught your name!) - both were incredible - so kind and caring. Despite being in A&E for many hours due to bed pressures, I felt so looked after, nothing was too much trouble, they kept me calm, up to date and managed my pain well. Such a vast difference from the bad experience I had a few days earlier at another hospital.

The surgical team were excellent, just an hour after arriving in the ward (station 3) Dr Noor and the anaesthetist (Alistair) had seen me and I was in theatre. Special thanks to Alistair for being so reassuring and kind. The whole surgical team were brilliant, I’m sorry I don’t know everyone’s name. Very impressed with the care and expertise of Dr Noor. Special thank you to an amazing student nurse called Nicole who did my admission, listened to me and reassured me. Nothing was too much trouble and I was amazed she was only 1st year with her knowledge and natural nursing ability.

A lovely theatre/recovery nurse called Pauline took me down to theatre and was so kind to me and my husband, phoning him after my surgery and distracting me on route to theatre when I was so upset and anxious. I’ll never forget your kindness, thank you. It was a long 6 nights in hospital but every member of staff I came across during that time was so kind to me and really eased the load. Having opening visiting in the ward was so helpful as my husband could stay with me most of the day. The staff were really kind to my husband too. Just to mention a few more names of staff who stood out to me during my time in hospital -  

Nurse Support Lisa who showered me and even washed and done my hair for me which made me feel more human! We had some good chats and it reassured me so much and helped with the anxiety of being in hospital. Ivy student nurse who was such a hard worker and kind and compassionate. Andrew (staff nurse), Elaine (staff nurse), Janet (nurse support) Natalie (staff nurse),  

Marie (staff nurse), Kelly (nursing assistant), Michelle, all the other nurse supports and Margaret who were working in discharge lounge. As a nurse myself I know the pressures we all face, how much we have to put a smile on and how many times patients have no idea of the complexities of the issues we face on shift. Yet every single member of staff I met was kind, compassionate, reassuring and empathetic and should be so proud to represent the NHS like they do. Thank you!