"A professional and inclusive approach to..."

I was admitted to Birch Ward following an Outpatient Appointment with the doctor's Chest Pain Clinic for an angiogram.

On arrival to the ward and from then on, as with the doctor, I was given full information on the rationale for the procedure and an explanation of the process prior to the angiogram being carried out.

Once in the theatre one of the nurses spoke to me throughout and what was an anxious time was alleviated by their approach and the rest of the staff who provided an environment that felt professional and at the same time "ordinary" which was paradoxical to the extraordinary events of that morning.

The clinical staff were all friendly, clearly experienced and spoke to me from the perspective of their clinical part of the process.

The Registrar gave me my results soon after the procedure and discussed lifestyle changes needed to maintain good health.

Prior to discharge I was monitored and again kept updated. I was given information regarding when to drive, lift etc., and also should any unexpected bleeding, pain, swelling etc.,

Whilst on the ward I observed other patients being treated in the same way, each time the nurses were taking blood, helping with bedpans etc., they spoke to the patient in an appropriate way facilitating that person feeling confident to ask questions.

Dignity was maintained at all times and discussions with the doctor/patient/nurse were not overheard by other patients.

Clinical procedures are not something most people look forward to or enjoy but I felt confident in my treatment and the information given at all times that the staff were working to an extremely high standard.

Thank you.