"Your member of staff (Endoscopy Department/Ward..."

My Father attended Bournemouth Hospital's endoscopy ward yesterday for the latest in several visits for a series of esophageal dilation procedures.

This is obviously a fairly unpleasant necessity: worrying for the patient and family alike and it could potentially be a horrible experience for all concerned.

However, the team at this wonderful ward actually make it a pleasure!

One member of staff is so incredibly helpful, patient, kind, efficient, knowledgeable, informative and an all-round superstar. In my humble opinion, this member of staff is a shining example to all healthcare professionals of 'how it should be done'.

My Father is elderly; quite deaf; very slow and unsteady on his feet and rather frail but this member of staff was so patient with him and took such great care that we really feel they deserve special recognition and heartfelt thanks.

In seeing this member of staff attend to my Father yesterday (as he struggled to wake up properly after his procedure), it is abundantly clear that they really did care for him and he wasn't 'just another patient'.

Already busy enough with their own duties, they also took great care of my Mother and me: taking time to chat to us and listen to things we said [listening skills are often all too rare these days!] and even giving us a much-needed tray of tea and biscuits whilst we waited for Dad's medical report and discharge papers.

Their manner is uplifting, comforting, reassuring and humorous yet professional and courteous.

The entire team in this department have always really surprised and impressed us with their outstanding levels of care and courtesy and we would like to thank each and every one of them for making it a pleasure to visit this ward.

With deep gratitude from us all and heartfelt thanks.