"Excellent care"

My birthday was in May and therefore I received my bowel screening kit.  I returned the sample and then it came back that I required to have a colonoscopy which was a shock and not something I was looking forward to!

The care I received from start to finish was excellent.  I first received a call from NHS Fife advising that I had a telephone appointment the next week to discuss the results and next steps, I then spoke to a nurse from Endoscopy who discussed the results, possible outcomes and the colonoscopy.  She was reassuring and answered all the questions I had.  She booked the appointment with me over the phone and sent out the kit required for the colonoscopy.

I followed the instruction given and arrived at QMH for my appointment.  I was greeted by reception staff who were kind and courteous and put me at ease.  I was then taken through by a male nurse who carried out the checks, was really funny and I knew at that point that I was in good hands and did not need to worry.

I then met the person carrying out the procedure who again was knowledgeable, understanding and put me at ease.

The male nurse who had carried out my checks took me through to get changed and then I went through to the procedure room and met the person doing the procedure, Health Care Support Worker and Nurse.  I had sedation however did still feel the procedure and the Health Care Support Worker who stayed by my side the whole time was skilled at her job and helped me breathe through the uncomfortable parts.

I was then taken from the procedure room to a ward and given toast and tea which was lovely.  I met another nurse who again was lovely and within the hour of the procedure ending I was able to go home and rest there.

I am sorry I have no-one's names to give you but I was very nervous.

My overall feedback would be that the Team in the Endoscopy Unit at QMH were fantastic.  They truly work as a Team and are highly skilled at their job.  A colonoscopy is one of those procedures you would rather not have, however although I would not want to have this again, I would feel much calmer next time as the care I received was outstanding at QMH, Endoscopy Unit.