"Cardiac Investigations Department"

On the whole my treatment was good but I have a few issues. I feel that when a woman is having an ECG it is unnecessary to have her sitting stripped to the waist on a couch in a well lit room. I found this very embarrassing and I felt like I was not being respected as an individual. I had had an ECG at the GP and they were able to do this without removing all my clothing.

The couch for the echocardiogram was really not fit for purpose. The surface was smooth presumably so that it can be cleansed but its smoothness means that a patient has to try and cling on so as not to slide down during the procedure. Whilst doing this, the patient is lying on their side with an arm over their head and as the top part of the couch is on a tilt this is extremely uncomfortable as the top part of the body is at an angle to the bed. Also the patient is expected to hold their breath whilst performing this position. I am reasonably fit and supple, but I cannot believe that this couch will allow an elderly or disabled person to be able to hold the position necessary for the procedure.

On a positive note I particularly would like to mention a lovely lady who fitted the event monitor for me. I am a nervous individual and I was feeling very stressed about all the procedures I was having to undergo. She dealt with me showing empathy and understanding and a welcome sense of humour. Thank you for making the experience so much less stressful than it could have been with somebody less sympathetic.