"The very personal caring approach made a real difference"

I had a planned cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation in Feb 2018 via Cardiology Day Care Unit. Ahead of procedure had a few questions and was able to make direct contact with Cardiology Nurse Specialist Millie. Millie also made contact the day before the procedure to ensure that I had been given the correct admission ward which had been changed as result of winter pressures. On admission to the ward on Friday Millie spent time explaining exactly what the procedure involved and took the time to answer any other queries which I had. This very personal caring approach made a real difference to how I felt ahead of the cardioversion. Although cardioversion is non invasive and pretty straightforward as a patient you can feel a bit unnerved at the thought your heart is being electrically 'shocked' - reassurance from Millie helped me feel much calmer ahead of the procedure.

The clinic is very well setup and the patient centred approach makes such a difference. I felt I was in good hands with Millie. The consultant anaesthetist and the rest of the team were also fantastic again taking the time to answer my queries. The input and approach made this a positive experience for me.

The cardiology team at ARI do a great job under difficult circumstances. All in all my experience was positive after I eventually got my initial cardiology appointment at the end of 2017. 

I think that there is a disappointing lack of support which comes to NHS Grampian from the Scottish Government to help address these issues timeously. Potential wait of 35 weeks for an echocardiogram on the NHS and c 30 weeks from referral to first cardiology appointment caused undue anxiety.