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"Very good at putting you at ease"

About: University Hospital Hairmyres / Gynaecology Rapid Access Unit

(as the patient),

I attended Dr Willock’s clinic for a scan/hysteroscopy. Prior to attending I was anxious about how painful the procedures would be and the likelihood of having to have further procedures under general anaesthetic.

The procedure was relatively quick, about 30 minutes in total, which included fitting a mirena coil. The procedures were much easier than I had imagined and essentially pain free.

I had taken a couple of paracetamol prior to attending as advised but the doctors also apply an anaesthetic gel to the area so was even less uncomfortable than having a smear test.

I had heard some not so good stories before attending but I found the staff carrying out the procedures to be very good at putting you at ease, understanding and doing their best to make it all go as pain free as possible. 

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Responses

Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire last month
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 15/03/2024 at 20:32
Published on Care Opinion at 20:32


picture of Lise Axford

Dear Elliot823

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience. I am pleased to read that your procedure was relatively quick and not too uncomfortable.

Some time ago, a patient had raised their concerns regarding the pain they experienced during a particular procedure. The team took time to review their process and aim to reduce any discomfort as much as possible. Taking the advice provided prior to attending is important and I am glad that this appeared to help you.

Dr Willocks and the team will be pleased that you felt staff tried hard to put you at ease and minimise any discomfort. Your comments will be shared with them.

Feedback is important to us as we learn from this and always strive to improve. Thank you again for your time.

I hope that you are recovering well

Kind regards

Lise

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Update posted by Elliot823 (the patient)

Thank you Lise, I think the lack of pain is down to the gel anaesthetic rather than the paracetamol, and it certainly makes a big difference. The staff were great and offered a pad and wipes etc. I think the next big thing which could be improved is the toilet/changing facilities.

Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire last month
We are preparing to make a change
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 18/03/2024 at 20:54
Published on Care Opinion on 19/03/2024 at 08:37


picture of Lise Axford

Dear Elliot823

Thank you for the update. I see that you feel the toilet and changing facilities could be improved. I will look into this as I am keen that patients feel comfortable and dignity is maintained. If you have any particular ideas or suggestions on what is required, please feel free to email me directly as learning from experience is an important aspect of facilitating change. However please do not feel obliged as you have already given up time to share your experience.

lise.axford@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

I think you are right in saying the anaesthetic gel made a real difference to the discomfort experienced. Hopefully other ladies will find this reassuring.

Thank you again

Lise

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