"Amazing care that have been taken of me"

I have probably had one of the best health services in my life.

I attended Shankill wellbeing and treatment centre in Belfast today for my contact lens fitting appointment and I was a little nervous. I have spent a lot of time in the UK hospitals due to my eyes issue and I was prepared for another appointment where I will be treated as quick as possible to get me out of the room since Covid is still a real threat. I was also a little nervous since I had issues in the past with getting a contact lens out due to a lack of training. 

But today I had a truly amazing experience. I was welcomed by nurse Jackie who very calmly went through step by step of the instructions how to take my lens in and out. She never rushed me, she was treating me with care, compassion and professionalism, she cheered me up when I was succeeding with the procedure and assisted when I was finding certain steps difficult.

I can’t emphasise how grateful I feel for this human being to take her time to treat me with so much care and attention. She really made sure I know how to deal with lens in any situation, made sure I know how to make a transition to this new routine as efficiently as possible and emphasised that I will be supported if any issues occurred.

Jackie really went above and beyond for me and I would really love to reciprocate.  I believe that people who put so much heart into their job where they are so pressured with long shifts and being under the constant threat of getting Covid from seeing so many patients a day, should be acknowledged.  I feel it from the very bottom of my heart, Jackie really put a lot of time and effort into me today.

A big thank you to her manager, Mairead, as well,  a truly lovely lady I had a chance to speak to.