"Laparoscopy at Allan Cumming Day Surgery"

I have had to go to the PRU about 4 times in the last few months and from a&e to pals to gynaecological services to urgent Care and day surgery treatment has been first class. This review however is about the wonderful gynaecological team, anethetist and nurses who looked after me on Monday morning at 8am.

Firstly, I was and have been so terrified of both surgery and hospitals I have avoided one laparoscopy at 19 and many other life choices where medical examination or intervention would be necessary. I had life experiences that left me terrified of medical intervention and a trauma history. My terror included being treated with a lack of dignity, care and respect that I had seen at hospitals before and I was fearful of experiencing shame and further trauma.

However, I need not have worried because at the day surgery unit two wonderful nurses who I would love to thank in person (in a less drugged state) took the utmost care of me. I had my hand held by an amazing nurse who continuously made sure they held my hand through the difficult conversations with team members and when I was struggling to stay on top of my fear. The recovery nurse also took great care, smiling with warmth at me, getting me sedating drugs, gently taking care of my comfort and waking me very gently from surgery.

In fact both nurses were highly attentive and respectful particularly in noticing for example me being cold and helping me put on my dressing gown or covering me in further blankets. I was particularly grateful that when I got stuck getting on my surgical socks I was helped and the nurse understood that my fear meant I had pretty much stopped thinking through logical steps like socks. When my nurses checked on intimate areas they were quick and sensitive. I was cared for in such a dignified way and I believe these nurses would hands down beat any private care but I hope they stay NHS nurses because even though they deserve greater pay I and people like me need nurses like that.

The gynaecological team who were very sensitive to my needs also. They particularly understood my former emotional traumas which included physical maltreatment whilst I was vulnerable and they were very sensitive to my needs. The gynaecological team and anethetist listened attentively and prescribed an excellent pre med so I actually do not have any memories of much after the pre med. I did have to return to the hospital the following day for some issue and pain management but once again this was dealt with sensitively, intelligently, compassionately and taking my views into account. Again I feel that the treatment was first class treatment.

I would love to thank my nurses in person, unfortunately I only remember the name of one nurse and although the other nurse told me their name and I wrote it down I think due to the medicine I wrote it down wrong. I would like it if someone could help me to learn the name of that nurse and let me know how I might send a thank you to both nurses.