"Endoscopy unit care and compassion"

I attended the Endoscopy Unit for a colonoscopy on Saturday 19 September 2015.

You hear lots in the press about consultants not working out of hours, so a Saturday appointment with consultant carrying out the procedure was a surprise.

The unit was fully operational when I arrived at 8.30 am for my appointment.

The clerical staff member was polite and professional, double checking personal details.

In fact there were checks at every point of contact with nursing and medical staff to make sure the right person was having the right procedure.

Every staff member was discreet and at great pains to maintain privacy and dignity during what is an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing procedure.

I would have given more than 5 stars for this if it were possible.

I noted it seemed to be an all female patient list.

The consultant was professional, very pleasant and went through the details of the procedure, explaining carefully what would happen.

The nursing staff were empathetic, caring, compassionate and understanding of my apprehension.

There was constant communication with the staff telling me exactly what was happening during the procedure.

There was a very attentive nurse by my side throughout

After the procedure I was given a sandwich (having had to fast for 24 hours previously) and a cup of tea.

The whole department came across as professional and efficient.

I was given the results and all documentation before I left the department.

I won't say it was a pleasant morning given the procedure but the amazing staff made it all very bearable.