"Important part in a patients journey"

My son had several visits to GP, out of hours services and surgical clinic over the space of 2-3 weeks during December 2019/January 2020.  He is 29 and has hardly ever seen a GP; he is normally healthy and fit.  This was a really worrying time for him (us) and resulted in referral for urgent colonoscopy  which he had last month. The GI secretary was so helpful in organising this appointment. 

 A big challenge for my son is that he is needle-phobic and he gets really embarrassed about this. 

On the day of his procedure, my son was in so much pain and distress.  He was exhausted and it was so hard for me to see him like that.  One of the nurses in the unit (Linda) came to introduce herself and said to my son she would be with him during his procedure. At this point Vanessa (team leader) could see my son's distress and did everything she could to support us and make things a little easier for my son.

During my son's procedure Dr McKinlay, Linda (staff nurse) and Margo (senior staff nurse) were just amazing with my son.  They showed empathy, care and professionalism and treated my son with respect.  They allowed me to stay with him until he had his sedation and that meant a lot to us both.  

Although this was a really traumatic time and uncomfortable procedure for my son, he was able (thanks to the staff in the unit) to trust the team and ultimately get a diagnosis.  His aftercare in the unit was also very good and we were informed in a way that my son understood about his diagnosis and immediate plans. Also - one of the nurses made me the best cup of tea.  Thank you.

I will never forget the kindness shown to us on this day.  As a team who are perhaps not as 'visible' as ward teams I think it's so important that they are acknowledged for the highly skilled role they have and the very important part they have in a patient's journey.

My son was transferred immediately to ward 104 and has started treatment for a long-term condition.  He is now home and adjusting well.