"Mixed experience; room for improvement"

I recently attended an appointment with the gynaecology services at Stobhill Hospital. Overall, my experience was mixed. There were several positive aspects, but also areas that could be improved to make what is already an uncomfortable procedure feel more supportive and respectful.

All interactions with staff before the appointment were pleasant. Everyone I spoke to was patient, helpful, and considerate. On the day itself, the staff were also friendly and apologetic for running behind schedule. The consultant explained clearly what would happen during the appointment and allowed time for questions, which I appreciated. I also received some reassurance during the procedure.

However, there were a few things that stood out as needing improvement.

Neither the consultant nor the nurse introduced themselves when they came into the room. There was no simple greeting or -  Hello, my name is. The only reason I knew what one of the nurses was called because another nurse had written their name on a leaflet I was handed on my way out of the clinic.

The positioning for gynaecology examinations is specific and understandably necessary. However, the bed was facing the door and although there was a curtain drawn, I was left lying in position for several minutes before the consultant entered the room. During that time, no effort was made to cover me with a towel or sheet. Even a small step like this would have helped preserve some sense of dignity. I believe this kind of care should be the bare minimum standard during intimate procedures.

While waiting, I could hear staff outside the room. At one point, someone commented that the patient before me had been dramatic. This was unsettling to overhear, especially while I was already feeling vulnerable. It made me wonder how patients are spoken about more generally.

When I eventually sat back up on the treatment room bed, the tray with used equipment and a noticeable pool of blood was still sitting underneath me. No attempt was made to clear it away and it was completely unnecessary for it to be there. Again, there was no effort made to protect my dignity at that stage either.

After the procedure, I started to feel faint. Although a bit of reassurance was given, I was not offered a glass of water, a fan, or anything else to help me recover. When I returned to the changing room, I stayed there for a while because I continued to feel unwell. I could hear staff outside saying - Is she still in there? But no one came to check on me.

I completely understand that this is a routine procedure for staff, and it may have been the end of a long day. But for patients, it is not routine. It is often uncomfortable, distressing, and very personal. A little compassion and attention to how people are treated during these moments can make a significant difference.

Thankfully, the outcome of my procedure was not serious. But I can only imagine how difficult it would be to go through the same experience and receive bad news on top of it.

I want to acknowledge how stretched NHS staff are. Working in the current climate is incredibly difficult, and staff morale is understandably low. The pressures on time and resources are real and ongoing. That said, compassion and kindness do not take much, and they make all the difference to patients. Especially in settings where people feel exposed or vulnerable, these small acts of humanity can help ease a deeply uncomfortable experience.

I do hope that my feedback can be shared as a reminder to staff.