"Professionalism, warmth and care"

I attended Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline for a Gastroscopy procedure and just wanted to thank all the staff at the hospital for not only their professionalism, but their warmth and personal care. 

The COVID restrictions were in place, and although the NHS are stretched to maximum, the hospital managed to be both calm and welcoming. Everyone I encountered - the security man at the door, the administrator in the Endoscopy Unit, and the nursing staff - were all friendly and very helpful. This may seem a small thing, but when you are going to a hospital in the pandemic, for a procedure you have never had before, and are worried about the outcome - it meant a lot.

The Gastroscopy procedure itself was deeply unpleasant  - particularly since I had to have four biopsies taken - but the staff were absolutely wonderful. Everything was explained very clearly, and both nurses very wisely advised me to concentrate on my breathing as if I were at a yoga class! During the procedure I had a few moments of near panic but S/N Jean was there rubbing my back and reminding me of my breathing the whole time - she and S/N Wendy made the experience bearable. 

When the procedure was finished and the report done, Endoscopist CNS Viv explained all the findings to me very clearly and gave me a copy of the report. Giving a copy of the report, and thus recognising that patients who are stressed don't really absorb all the information they are being told, is an excellent idea!

I know that in the grand scheme of things this was a routine and minor procedure, but it was something about which I was very concerned. The caring attitude of all the staff I encountered at Queen Margaret Hospital made it as easy as possible and I am very grateful for their skill and kindness. I also appreciate how lucky we are to have the NHS  - long may it continue.