"The best care/service I can ever remember receiving"

I had a pre-op assessment appointment at Ward 2 E at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Staff nurse Maryam was responsible. This is the best care/service I can ever remember receiving and I’m 50 now. She took things at my pace, didn’t rush me, put me ease. She explained everything she needed to do and gave time for any questions. When I had to be swabbed in my groins for MHRA, she said I could do it, she would turn away and lock the door so nobody entered (privacy) and would unlock the door as soon as I said I was ready. She explained on the day of the op I must feel free to ask the surgeon, anaesthetist, nurses, anyone involved in my care, any questions or concerns I have, even when entering the operation theatre. 

I have a history of significant trauma and being treated with such care, dignity and respect was so appreciated. Knowing I have rights and choices and having all physical tests explained (eg. She asked was I ok getting bloods) and respecting my personal space made such a difference. Her cultural competence was expressed in the simple sentence: Do you celebrate Christmas? No assumptions. And her way with me, her tone of voice, eye contact, body language, explaining when she was quiet that she was writing up my meds and needed to concentrate to make sure it was right … was all so naturally and warmly present and attentive. 

When it comes to delivering trauma sensitive care, Maryam was a case example of best practice. This experience has contributed to me healing from some quite undignified and unkind experiences when I previously presented to A&E with self harm. I cannot thank her enough. Every interaction has the potential to impact someone in a good way