"Staff made an evitably unpleasant..."

What I liked

I visited the Churchill Hospital to the Colposcopy clinic.

I greeted by a very friendly receptionist. I had moved house since I was sent the appointment was allocated and so changed my address with the receptionist with no form filling necessary - very efficient.

I waited in a separate waiting room to GUM patients which was excellent for my privacy. I was seen promptly when I arrived.

The doctor and nurse who treated me were very friendly. I thought the relationship between doctor and nurse was very good. The doctor was friendly but efficient and professional in a 'let's get on with it' sort of way which made me feel confident in both of them. The nurse was compassionate and reassuring without being patronising. I was nervous and knew it was going to be not very pleasant so this dynamic was pitched just right.

The information I was given at the end of my appointment was also a good follow up after the procedure as I knew I wouldn't remember what I had been told when I walked out the door.

The letter I was sent with my results to be seen again in 12 months was also reassuring and pitched at the right level so I was not worried but understood it was important to come in again. The letter even came to my new address - something my GP took at least two letters to get right.

All in all the staff made an appointment for an unpleasant procedure positive and easy to bear which is quite a feat in itself.

What could be improved

Please add information about when to expect results on to the post procedure information.