"Great experience in the Medical Elective Suite"

I visited the Medical Elective Services Unit for a lumbar puncture. This is not an experience that most people look forward to but the staff and the facilities really made a huge difference to my appointment.

The health care assistant met me and my partner in the corridor and took us straight to the room where the procedure was going to take place. She knew why I was there and who I was and who the doctors were that were going to do the procedure. She was friendly and welcoming and more than happy for my partner to stay in the room. As an LGBT couple we were really appreciative of our relationship being respected and taken seriously - this doesn't always happen.

The doctors were great. The explained the procedure beforehand listened to any comments and queries I had and reassured me and distracted me during the procedure if required. I had my bloods tested by the Deputy Sister, who was also really friend and positive and the discharge paperwork was ready as my bloods were being taken. It was smooth as clockwork and the unit was clean, and though busy, had a great positive atmosphere.

Very few people look forward to a surgical or medical procedure - even if the results might give a way forward or provide some relief. However, for anyone having an appointment with this service I hope they would feel reassured that they'll be receiving their care in a really caring, friendly and professional environment.