"An absolute gem of a nurse"

I was transferred to ward 7 from the A&E department at Ninewells, arriving by ambulance and admitted in absolute agony and suffering from an impacted bowel (faecal impaction).

Almost immediately upon arrival on ward 7, it felt like I had the nursing and health care team giving me their full attention. I was assigned Dylan as my nurse for the day shift; an energetic, charismatic young man, who was constantly checking in on me (I was in a side room) and assuring me if there was anything I needed then just to ask.

I went through the most traumatic and agonising 2 days of my life in that room and Dylan was there to effectively hold my hand and guide me through it. Keeping me calm, helping me to control my breathing when I was in excruciating pain and reassuring me constantly that I was being so strong. Don't worry, he said, we're completely accustomed to this sort of thing here, day in and day out. Let's just leave your dignity at the door during this and you can collect it on the way out, he joked.

I was mortified at how embarrassing and degrading this sort of thing was for me, but this absolute gem of a nurse continually managed to make me forget about all that and not feel self conscious at all. The things these nurses have to see and do every day is just incredible. I can only hope that this young man gets the opportunity to see this review and understands just how eternally grateful and thankful I am for all of his completely unfazed help and support during my time on ward 7. Thank you so so much Dylan. You are an absolute gem 💎