"My time in the unit"

I attended the unit yesterday to have a procedure carried out and can't deny I had feelings of anxiety and apprehension as I rang the bell for admittance. I was met by a welcoming member of staff who immediately settled me and a further group of individuals attending.

Bang on time we were taken into our ward and I was shown to the resting area and given all necessary introductory  information relevant to my stay.

A member of nursing staff introduced themself and proceeded to complete formalities, following which she began the initial tests etc.

When those tests were completed a Dr introduced himself and explained what tests they had planned and answered all questions I had and completed this part of the proceedings.

I had visits from other medical staff members who spoke, listened, tested, and comprehensively answered and agreed everything to my personal satisfaction. I was now ready for my big moment!

Following a short wait I was approached by a member of theatre staff who completed the detail and invited me into the procedure room with her. By this time I felt I was ready for my procedure and followed on.

On entering I could gauge I had entered a highly professional area and was instantly put at ease by members of staff who carried out all required preparatory steps and I felt much more relaxed than I ever imagined. Dr Sood introduced himself and proceeded to explain why I was there, what they were going to do and he and his colleagues began the procedure. At the end of my procedure another Dr spoke to me about their findings and I was ready to leave the room.

It seemed it was all over much sooner than I ever imagined and I was then taken back to my area.

I was quickly settled in again and efficiently prepared and fitted with the  monitoring equipment required for the duration of my stay, offered drinks and light bites and all of a sudden I realised, that's it!.

Following a period of monitoring and staff checking and recording details covering a few hours I was given all the necessary paperwork before being discharged. It is hard to remember all the names of the members of the medical team  yesterday and if I miss anyone out I apologise profusely but you all were magnificent. From those others I thank, Dr Sood and his colleague, Lisa was a breath of fresh air and she and fellow colleagues, Liz, Theresa, Carol Ann Bernie and Jess, who worked tirelessly throughout my stay, they were highly skilled, professional, informative and comforting throughout, and a brilliant advert for both their profession and the SNHS in general.

Thank you all sincerely for your efforts on my behalf, you set a fantastic example in all you do and I hope many more people will benefit through your dedication to the health and wellbeing of individuals like me.