"Gastroscopy Procedure"

On Friday 9th March I was booked in for Gastroscopy at 8.30am.

I am a member of staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and know how good a place it is but being a patient was a completely different experience for me.

I suffer with anxiety/panic attacks and I went into complete overdrive when I arrived for my procedure, the staff were wonderful (I even walked out out of the department twice) . Everyone was kind, considerate and understanding, a very big thank you to one particular member of staff and her team.

After my assessment it wasn't long before I was called to go in for my Gastroscopy my husband walked with me and at that point I really didn't think I could do it, I was terrified of the procedure and of course what would be found.

I was greeted by another member of staff and her team who calmed me and help to go through with it.

I had sedation which was wonderful I remember nothing except coming round in recovery and being so well looked after.

I was lucky my results were good and can now only thank everyone for getting me through it with such kindness and professional skills because I know I really challenged them all that morning.

Please share this information with anyone you see fit to do so, I hope this will help anyone else that might feel the way I did and believe me you will be fine because if I can go through it anyone can!