"it was lovely to be treated with so much respect and care."

I requested a referral to QEUH rheumatology dept when my GP suggested a re-referral to rheumatology (I had a poor experience a few years ago at my local hospital the RAH and did not have much faith in the information I was given).

After a few years of multiple joint pains, fatigue, hair loss, difficulty concentrating and other symptoms which led to a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia, I was nervous about wasting people's time only to be led to the same conclusion, but keen to know if anything else could be done to help relieve my symptoms.

Arriving at the clinic I was very nervous, and a nurse took me straight away to have my height and weight measured, as well as the usual blood pressure etc. My blood pressure was very high on the first check (no surprise there! ) but the staff were careful to repeat it a number of times throughout my appointment and I really appreciated their attentiveness regarding this.

I became tearful whilst talking the nurse through my medical history (mainly about fertility issues), and again after speaking with the doctor (Dr Morrison), but she was so lovely and the nursing assistant in my consultation Jacqui  deserves mention by name also for her care and consideration. She was also incredibly discrete in handling the issue of having to provide a urine sample for which I am very grateful!

Dr Morrison completed a thorough examination and even although we suspect there is no single explanation for my various symptoms, she certainly provided me with faith that no stone would be unturned in my examination or tests etc.

I would like to thank every staff member I encountered during my visit for their care, consideration, and cheerful approach to their work. We even received a stand up comedy routine whilst waiting by the very talented Daryl (the joke was awful but it was delivered with enthusiasm! ).

I try hard to make my own patients feel comfortable during my interaction as I know how difficult hospital appointments can be, and I think this team deserve recognition for their patient centred attitude.

The only aside I would mention is the situation of the height and weight equipment in the corridor next to a patient seating area. I am very self-conscious about my weight and would have preferred it was taken in private, however, it was done very discretely so this is a very, very minor point. I only mention it in case someone other than me might consider it an infringement on their privacy and decide to complain.

Thank you once again for your wonderful care even in a circumstance where others may need this service more than I do. I have a long history of depression (which is stable at the moment) and I often find my symptoms being dismissed as psychological when in contact with hospital services so it was lovely to be treated with so much respect and care.