"A very positive experience"

I attended Hairmyres Hospital in early January for an appointment to deal with a possible inflamed cyst, which had been arranged by Dr McMillan. Unfortunately, the staff weren’t expecting me as I think there had been some breakdown in communication and I could hear them saying multiple things including “it took me 45 minutes to find out why she is here” from the corridor while I sat and waited for someone to attend to me. I was already feeling vulnerable at having to come to this appointment alone, and the comments did upset me. It was then all sorted out and I decided not to let those insensitive comments bother me.

I had bloods done by a nurse and an examination of the cyst by one of the consultants. Unfortunately I started to feel light-headed and had to ask for this to stop, the consultant and nurse were both really understanding as I apologised and explained I wasn’t afraid of needles or pain, but my body just reacts this way. They reassured me and took their time with me. There was a student nurse there too - I can’t remember her name - but she was lovely and chatty and made me feel at ease. 

It was then decided that I would be admitted to have the lump drained under a general anaesthetic as my body wouldn’t be able to cope with a local anaesthetic. I had an ultrasound and an x-ray and was taken to Ward 4. Both porters who took me to the ward and for my scans were lovely. Jamie in particular was so nice, funny and seemed to really care about his patients. I would like to thank him for how comfortable he made me feel. 

Back in Ward 4, all of the staff were incredibly nice. They all introduced themselves each time they came in to do any procedures and nothing was too much trouble for them. I didn’t like to bother anyone for anything but I could see how considerate they were with everyone. An anaesthetist came to explain my procedure to me, the surgeon came to go through any questions I had and they both gave me time to discuss anything I needed to. Mr Mukherjee also attended to look at the lump. There were various student doctors and nurses who also examined me and they were all caring and considerate. 

The theatre nurses who took me down for my procedure that evening were absolutely lovely. One was called Emma - I can’t remember the name of the other as I was a bit panicked - and they were so nice and reassuring. All of the staff working to anaesthetise me were exceptional - they held my hand, talked me through everything and made me laugh. I was terrified and feeling alone and they really made all the difference. I wish I knew all of their names to thank them specifically because I really do think they made a difference. 

My procedure went very well and I was discharged the next morning with instructions on what to do in case of any problems. 

Aside from the incident in the Medical Assessment Unit, I had a very positive experience at Hairmyres Hospital. It was my first time attending here and I would not hesitate to use it again (although I hope I don’t have to). 

In particular, I would like to thank Dr McMillan for arranging for me to be seen at such short notice and for popping up to see me and offering reassurance. It was such a kindness. I would also like to thank nurse  Sinclair for her support and kindness shown to me when I needed it most - I am so grateful. Thank you to Jamie the porter for your chat which helped reassure me and take my mind off the procedures. Also thank you to the theatre nurses , for just being so kind and caring. Also to the anaesthetist and all of the staff in theatre that night for calming me down when I was panicking. And finally, a huge thank you to all of the staff in Ward 4 for looking after me so well. I am incredibly grateful and you are all a credit to the NHS.