"5 Star Treatment..."

I was nervous at the prospect of my Hysteroscopy/biopsy and Mirena coil removal. I'd opted for a general anesthetic as previous gynae procedures I had a few years ago elsewhere had been painful.

On arrival at Ward 209, though, the atmosphere was calm and friendly. Everyone who took me through the process gave me their name, checked mine etc and told me what was happening. I met my consultant, who took time to fully explain what would be done and checked I was OK with everything. I felt comfortable and in very safe hands.

It was the anesthetic stage I was most anxious about, but needn't have been. I was especially grateful to the Anesthetist and his colleagues who really made me feel calm at ease by chatting to me and taking my mind of the procedure.

All went very well and I was home by lunch time with only a little bit of discomfort.

People skills and bedside manner are as important to me as medical expertise - and these doctors were the whole package. Being treated as an individual with kindness and empathy by all hospital staff also makes an incredible difference - and that was my experience on Ward 209. Thank you all.