"Kind, caring and thoughtful throughout"

I attended the medical day case unit at RIE for a catheter ablation. I was booked in on the ward by a student (whose name I've sadly forgotten) but she was amazing and explained everything to me and kept me nice and calm.

I was looked after by Katrina and Susan who were both exceptional nurses and kept me informed every step of the way. I met with my Cardiologist again, Dr Stirrat, and it was nice to see a familiar face doing my procedure.

The theatre team in Cath Lab 3 were brilliant. Unfortunately the nurses weren't able to cannulate me so it was done in theatre and every care was taken to ensure I was OK. Nicki (I think that was her name) who took me to Theatre and went through the checklist was kind, caring and thoughtful throughout.

We had a good chat which kept my mind from worrying what was ahead. Jill who wired me up to all the machines was a calming influence, explaining each step to me and it was nice to see a smiley face above me as I was being hooked up.

Once back on ward I was well looked after with staff getting me an extra blanket as I was shivering. I was monitored closely and although my procedure was unsuccessful, Dr Stirrat still took time out his busy day to come and explain everything to me.

Overall, a really really good first experience of being in hospital for a procedure and I am under no illusion that it's down to the wonderful team that looked after me each step of the way.

The only one negative thing I have to say is whilst I and others were resting after our procedures, some actually sleeping, when nightshift came on in the evening they were very noisy - I understand cleaning needed to be done but they put all the lights on and started banging around when we were nice and relaxed with the day team.

That's my only negative in a day full of positives.