"I knew I was in good hands"

I had a call asking me to go in for an urgent jaw x-ray. I have osteoporosis with multiple fractures of my vertebrae and a rib. 

I had visited another hospital  previously for a chest x-ray which traumatised me. I also suffer agoraphobia, CPTSD and autism alongside of physical issues too. I was dreading having to go for another x-ray after my earlier treatment at the other hospital where I was treated badly. 

When we arrived at Airedale we found a parking spot straight away, which doesn't happen at other hospitals so was pretty happy. The only thing I would have changed is having car spaces for us disabled people without blue badges nearer to the entrance. I don't have a blue badge even with a fractured spine and other conditions but I struggle to walk more than a few minutes and even that is very painful.

We got inside and someone came up and asked us if we needed help. We said I had an appointment at radiology. They told us the way with clear instructions. We found our way to the waiting room very quickly and easily. There was no one else in the waiting area so we thought we had made a mistake, but within a couple of minutes a nurse called my name so obviously we were in the correct place. She asked me very kindly to follow her.

I went into the room and she explained what I needed to do in a pleasant friendly manner. She explained what the machine would do and how long precisely it would take. I think it was 16.2 seconds. She thanked me for standing still and I thanked her. She was one of the good nurses we all need when we feel vulnerable and she did her job professionally but with such a kind, caring way.

Why aren't all nurses and NHS people like she was? She instantly made me feel safe and at ease and my severe anxiety from being out of my house left me. I knew I was in good hands. I really wish she could be informed about how she was amazing and she made such a massive difference to my anxiety. I also have CPTSD and autism but the ways she talked me through it all without any prompting from myself prevented me needing to tell her my story.

I wish so much that health professionals were all cut from the same cloth as this lovely kind lady and I shall never forget the way she helped me without her needing to know my health story. Thank you so much