"Great care and empathy"

I visited for my Gastroenterology FU appointment at Maidstone Hospital.

I had spinal surgery recently (only 3 weeks ago), and my recovery is proving to be very difficult due to limited mobility and excessive pain.

I 'dosed' myself up on painkillers before leaving, in order to be as pain free as possible for the couple of hours I would be out; by the time I arrived at Maidstone Hospital I was still in quite a bit of pain, but was also really sleepy and feeling quite sick.

When I was called through for my obs to be taken, the nurse noticed how uncomfortable I was and accommodated me not being able to sit for very long without becoming very uncomfortable and pained.

She took my wait and did my obs standing, as I am in more pain in the seated position.

I was tachycardic and she helpfully checked how long I would be waiting - she advised I had at least another 30 mins to wait and said if I was feeling unwell or needed to lie down, I was to just to come and find her and she would find me a couch.

I was in the waiting room, struggling, and an HCA noticed me and moved me to an empty clinic room to lie down on a couch.

It was obvious that the OP nurse had not just personally acknowledged my difficulty but also informed the team she was working with.

I was dreading my OP appointment at Maidstone, as they seldom run to time and the waiting area is unfortunately quite cramped and not well ventilated (although not the most comfortable environment, tolerable when fit and well) and then how I was going to cope with the pain and painkillers running through me, but the team were brilliant, really sympathetic and genuinely caring and observant of their patients.

Please can you pass on my thanks to the team - a credit to nursing, your Trust and patient care. Thank You! ! !