"A difficult visit made easier"

I recently visited the outpatients department with my Grandad. He is hard of hearing and needs some help taking things in when it comes to medical info.

We had made arrangements by phone to ensure that I could join him for his appointment. The receptionist at outpatients was lovely, and made sure that the nurse knew about this. The member of staff who took us into the department was really friendly and helpful. In fact, all of the staff we encountered that day were. They gave clear instructions and looked after us well. 

I was really impressed by the way that Dr Fielding communicated with my Grandad. She made sure that he could understand her questions and spoke in plain English. She treated him with respect and was very empathetic. My Grandad, like many, isn’t overly fond of hospitals, so gaining his trust straight away is impressive! Her down to earth nature really helped and I found her to be very approachable. 

We had to go to cardiology outpatients for a quick procedure afterwards. A lovely lady in yellow, whose name I didn’t catch, walked us up to the ward to make sure we got there. The nurse who took my Grandad for his procedure was really lovely as well, he came out of the room blethering like he’d known her for years. 

It may not seem like much, but our visit was a really pleasant one and that makes all the difference to my elderly grandad, who is anxious and not keen on being in hospital (even as an outpatient). 

Thanks to all of the lovely members of staff that we met that day. Keep doing what you’re doing. You made an auld man’s hospital trip enjoyable!