"Recent Surgery and visit to Ward 32"

I attended the RAH recently for a laparoscopy to remove some cysts, endometriosis and the possibility of my right ovary being removed also.

As a person who suffers from anxiety and depression, I found it quite overwhelming and scary going into hospital for this procedure. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by a nurse and shown to my room and immediately Lynne, came and introduced herself, made me feel very welcome and helped me settle.  I was first to be taken on the list and Lynne could see my anxiety was rising and when Dr Patterson came to see me, she had had given him a friendly nudge that he was to look after me 🙂. I was so taken a back that she could see how I was feeling and appreciated her looking out for me. 

Tom, one of the Aneathatists came to speak to me and talk through the procedure, I told him I was scared of being put to sleep and he listened, understood and promised that he would look after me and keep me safe. He also asked me to think about some music I might like and they would play it to help me relax. 

Colin (health care assistant) then came to take me to go down to theatre, again he quickly picked up on my anxieties and talked me through what would happen and asked what could he do to help me feel more relaxed, by just being himself he was a great help. We then bumped into Michaela who I know personally and has just started a new career in NHS and she helped make me feel calm and reassured me the way Colin had. 

Colin took me into the Anesthetic Room and then passed me over to Monica, he explained to her how I was feeling and left me in her care, she was compassionate, understanding and talked through what would happen, again reasurring my safety and that she would keep me cosy 🙂. Graham and Tom then entered the room, they picked up on how I was feeling and were bubbly, upbeat and attentive. There was a nice vibe in the room, I was asked to pick my favourite music... Didn't want to ask for Take That lol but told them I enjoyed going to festivals, so they picked Oasis... Which is currently one of my sons favourite bands at the moment... They all made me feel safe. I hardly felt the needles going in and I just remember them chatting to me as I fell asleep. 

When I woke up in the recovery room, I don't remember the nurses names, but all I remember is laughing at the chat and banter that was around me, it was a nice way to wake up and felt well looked after before heading back upto the ward. 

Asha (nurse) was an absolute angel, she was so attentive, caring, patient and always came back when she said she would. She had a lovely manner about her and I was made to feel like her only patient (she had many others) but when she was with me, she gave you her undivided attention. She treated all her other patients in the same ward equally.. The other ladies thought she was a great nurse. She listened and understood when I was feeling pain and helped to keep it under control. 

Unfortunately I received some unexpected news that I need to go in for a further operation, an open hysterectomy. Lynne (nurse) attended my bedside with Dr Paterson, she was very supportive and reasurring and spoke very highly of Dr Patterson. Later on Lynne helped to answer some of my questions that I had, again giving me her knowledge and reassurance. Dr Patterson was also great, he understood my feelings and I felt he genuinely wanted to help me feel well again. 

Later on, Graham one of Aneathatists came upto the ward after his shift had finished to check up on myself and another patient, this was a really lovely touch and very unexpected. 

I don't think I would have got through my day without the kindness, compassion and caring nature of each of the above Health Care Professionals, they are an absolute credit to NHS and RAH and although I know I will still experience my anxieties when I come for my next operation, this will not be on the scale I had a couple of weeks ago. 

The last year or so had been such a difficult time for medical staff and I feel very privileged to have received, some of the best care and support from an outstanding group of people.  Thank you doesn't feel enough...... Xxxx