"Wonderfully Kind & Caring Team"

I had to attend Ninewells for an MRI Brain scan and I was absolutely dreading it. 

I’d had the same investigation many years ago and found the whole process quite unpleasant, so I was very anxious about having to go through it again. 

The scanner at Ninewells is now an open machine which really does make a big difference to the feeling of claustrophobia, but aside from that it was the kind and caring nature of the staff that made me feel so at ease and ensured I got through the full 45 minute scan.

 

I can’t remember all their names but it’s no exaggeration to say they were the X factor that meant I didn’t chicken out. They were so kind and reassuring, not in a patronising way at all but so genuine; I wasn’t made to feel foolish for being anxious about the process and they made sure I felt in control at all times. 

As a full time wheelchair user there’s the added extra of having to transfer into an MRI-friendly chair before getting onto the scanner. The staff were great about this, asking for my preferences and letting me lead the process. That might not sound like much - indeed it might even sound like the basics one would expect - but in the 14 years I’ve been paralysed I’ve had so many experiences where I wasn’t listened to (wasn’t even asked) about what worked for me and that can feel so disempowering, especially when it’s right before a procedure that fills the heart with dread.

So this is a mega shout out to all the staff at Ninewells Radiology Dept; from the very happy chap on reception through to the support staff and radiographers; thanks for being so fabulous and please don’t change!