"MRI fear and achievement - Radiology Department"

Having had an abhorrent experience in a NHS hospital in 1994 I have done everything to avoid facing up to crippling back and hip pain because of claustrophobia a direct result of abhorrent treatment I previously received. I have developed a completely irrational fear of most medical procedures and hospital machines. I have even gone abroad to go into an open MRI machine and stopped the procedure part way through (out of pocket and no further forward apart from a long haul flight)! Eventually I had to explain I needed help. I was referred to the Radiology department at Queens Hospital because the MRI machine was larger and recommended. Waiting for the appointment caused months of anxiety. On the day I took sedation prior to the scan (and probably enough to sedate a horse) but on entering into the scanner I asked to be taken out immediately. The difference with the staff in this department are that there is an air of calmness, understanding, professionalism and compassion. Staff moral is reflected back into a high standard of care to the patient. I was helped to such a high level of compassion that I stayed in the MRI machine because I felt I was in safe hands and cannot express the gratitude and thanks to all staff including the member of staff on reception who always returned my phone calls when I needed reassurance prior to the appointment. Most importantly I want to say all staff in the department were excellent and a credit to the hospital and themselves. A genuine act of kindness impacted on my day and for always. Special thanks to the nursing assistant whose hands I think I gripped too tightly! And who I cannot thank enough.