"Pleasantly surprised."

I was referred by my GP for an abdominal ultrasound scan, to a local centre. Within a week I received a phone call from Healthharmonie and chose my appointment time, which was confirmed in writing a few days later. They phoned me the day before to confirm I could still attend, and to remind me to drink the required water.

Having never knowingly been referred to a private company by my GP, I Googled to find out more and was rather concerned by the reviews I found here.

On the day, a polite nurse collected me from the waiting room, on time. The radiographer/operative was welcoming and reassuring, and the room was clean and tidy. The scan went smoothly. At the hospital I usually go to for scans, they are poker faced and don't answer questions, leaving me anxious until I see the specialist. I've had fibroids in the past, and I asked the size/type/position of any they could see on the scan, which they took the time to explain to me. I didn't ask treatment options or consequences, just what could be seen. I was really pleased to be spoken to kindly, with respect, and not talked down to or treated like my speaking was an inconvenience.

I don't think it could ever be said that an abdominal ultrasound could be a pleasant experience, but it was as close as it got. I was back at home within 20 minutes of my appointment time, reassured by knowing what's happening inside me.

If you're as worried as I was by the other reviews, don't be!