"The staff couldn’t do enough"

I was extremely nervous coming in to the clinic for my surgical abortion, and when the day arrived I was a complete mess, of nerves and tears.

I arrived at the clinic early for my 10:55 appointment, but was aloud to sit in a waiting room with my friend. I was then sent upstairs to another waiting room, while my friend waitied in the relatives room. I did have to wait a while before seeing a nurse for my ultra sound, however I was told on reception how long I would be there, so I wasn’t surprised, or annoyed. The nurse who did my ultra sound was lovely, and when I asked to see my scan she made sure I was 100% sure I wanted to see it.

I was sent back in to the waiting room, where my nerves got the better of me, and suffering with bad morning sickness I started to panick, however several nurses ran straight over to me and took me in to a private room, until I felt okay to go back in the waiting room.

I was then taken to get changed ready for surgery. I was taken in to a changing room, and given flip flops and a gown, and a basket for my clothes. I was taken in to another waiting room and then called through for surgery after a few minutes.

The lady who was performing the procedure introduced herself, along with the anaesthetist, and the other nurses in the room. They were all very professional and took their time getting me ready and on to the bed. One of the nurses held my hand until the anaesthetic kicked in, which took no more than 10 seconds.

I remember being walked through in to the recovery room, and after about half an hour the anaesthetic wore off and I felt fine. The nurses in this room, never stopped checking on the patients, doing obs every 10 minutes and making sure everyone was okay, and giving out pain relief when needed. I was given some pain killers, antibiotics and biscuits and when I felt ready I was aloud to go back downstairs and get changed.

I think I was in the clinic for just over 4 hours, and I have no memory of the procedure, and woke up with hardly any pain. The clinics waiting rooms were big, open rooms with comfy chairs, and TVs, while the changing rooms resembled something from a spa, with little wooden benches, private glass cubicles and it helped with the nerves by taking away any doctors/hospital vibes.

I am so grateful for the care I recieved and how helpful and caring the staff and nurses were to me on that day. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to go ahead if it weren’t for the support and reassurance from the staff.