"Sensitive Response to Anxious Patient"

Last week I had to attend for a gastroscopy. This is a very anxiety inducing procedure for me so I was very fearful. I would like to compliment all the nursing staff in particular. Everyone was professional, friendly and empathetic. (As were the reception staff) The insertion of a canula for sedation was performed as quickly and painlessly as possible and to my amazement I did not have any bruising when it was removed. Unfortunately there was some difficulty in inserting the endoscopy tube so I did come to to find myself coughing and gagging but thanks to the sedation and my awareness of gentle and caring nurses encouraging me I felt detached from the process an not too traumatised. The doctor was friendly and unpatronising. As an extra comment I would add that I loved the sign board celebrating the different nationalities of the staff working in the department. This is so important in these times of division between people and lack of respect coming from a high level for people who wish to make their home in this country. The department was obviously run efficiently but humanity was not sacrificed in the process. I hope you can get this message to the department. Thank you. Liz Cruse