"Making a hugely anxious person feel so calm and safe"

I had my gallbladder removal surgery carried out at Stracathro Hospital early October. I would like to share my story just purely based on the fact that even though I was only there for the day, the care and attention I received was second to none! 

From the moment I stepped into reception at 7am, I was greeted by a friendly, smiling receptionist who was lovely with a naturally great sense of humour. I waited less than 15 minutes to get checked in and admitted to my bed space. There was no waiting around for ages once I did so, I had all my paperwork sorted, questions asked and answered and was paid a visit by each necessary medical professional. I was so pleased to see my lovely consultant, Dr Ross. Met with the surgeon and the anaesthetist who filled me with knowledge and were ready to answer any questions I had.

I was informed I was 1st on the list and was ready to get down to theatre before 9am. Nurse Natasha called my name and walked me down where I told her I was slightly nervous by focusing on the negatives and the risks rather than the pros of having surgery, having had the same surgery herself; immediately put my mind at ease, made me laugh and spoke to me as any normal person would before handing me over to Sharon (apologies if this is incorrect) one of the Anaesthetic recovery nurses, who also had a great and soothing impact on me. After speaking with her, I then met Donna, one of the anaesthetists who absolutely sticks in my mind for all of the right reasons! Again, naturally funny, chatty and so friendly and down to earth.

As I was about to be put under, Donna and my other anaesthetist were absolutely amazing. Explained everything they did as they did it and what would happen next. I had my cannula put in, some saline that followed and then I had oxygen via the mask, she then administered some pain relief through my cannula which I instantly felt working... I would say less than 5 minutes before I even had any anaesthetic administered, I was out like a light! I think around 12.30-1.30pm (ish), I was being woken up gently back on the ward. I felt super sluggish, weak and very very tired. I remember being coaxed awake eventually at the mention of a caramel wafer biscuit, a cheese sandwich and a cup of tea which I'll say went down a treat when usually, I'd never go near a chocolate biscuit and white bread!! I was looked after so well, carefully accompanied to the bathroom to make sure all was okay in that department, allowed to slowly come to myself and enjoy my first food after surgery, blood pressure monitored and then after a couple of hours my cannula was removed and I was allowed home. Very kind nurse who took my bag and escorted me to my dad in the car park was also extremely lovely and wished me well and that was it.

Ordeal was over and I was on my way home to begin recovery, it's not been the easiest few days by any means and I am struggling with it but it wouldn't have been near as easy had I not had those wonderful people during the whole process. I so wish I could remember all of the names but hopefully they would remember me and will know exactly who they are. I owe my wonderful experience entirely to them and they are a huge credit to Stracathro Hospital. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making a hugely anxious person so calm and feel so safe and cared for. If I was asked if I would do it all again, I 100% would.