"Great service from start to finish"

I attended A&E to deal with a food blockage which required a gastroscopy. I was seen by a very helpful doctor within 3 hours on a Friday night, and had to stay in a ward to await a gastroscopy on Saturday morning. A real eye-opener as to the sheer volume of patients coming through A&E and the great patience, care and support of all A&E staff under pressure and unfortunately some aggressive behaviour from a minority of patients.

The gastroscope procedure was very professional and the staff and doctors very friendly and reassuring. The procedure was explained clearly beforehand and reassurance and support was given to me by the doctor and attending nurse throughout the procedure.

I attended the endoscopy unit again, this time as a day patient, three months later for a follow up gastroscopy to check that the original cause had resolved. Different staff and doctors, same professionalism, courtesy and friendliness from everyone I met with during the process.

One key point for me was being treated as an adult (and not invisible) and having the results and implications explained clearly.

An initial traumatic event was turned into a good experience by the behaviours and professionalism of all staff, from booking in through to discharge. Thank you all very much!