"This is what makes the NHS tick"

In March I was seen by a Maxillofacial surgeon at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy after referral by my dentist for assessment of a Torus Mandibularis (a bony growth) in my mouth.

The surgeon was lovely; very calm, chatty and quietly confident. He listened patiently to my questions and was flexible in his decision making around my own concerns. Despite having medical training, I am not a good patient and am particularly nervous about oral/dental procedures. I felt that my views were very much considered as we made a plan for surgery.

Despite a natural nervousness, I left feeling confident that I was in good hands.

I had surgery a few days ago. I had been offered a date much earlier that I couldn't make but this date was within 2 months of my original appointment so I really can't complain. 

I was admitted on to the Day Surgery Ward just before 8am and told that I was first on the list. The nurses were wonderful. They all took time to chat with me, explain what was going on and made me feel at ease. 

The ward was clean, bright and airy. There was a lovely sense of calmness which was ideal prior to surgery. 

I really appreciated one of the nurses proudly telling me what a great team the anaesthetist and surgeon are. As a slightly nervous patient, it does help to witness good team dynamics and a sense of confidence in their fellow professionals. 

The trainee nurse (from University of Dundee Kirkcaldy Campus) took time to chat about her course when I asked her about it as my son is contemplating Nursing as a career. She was a great advertisement for the course. I enjoyed watching the team interacting and working together. 

The surgeon was the same reassuring presence I remembered from my initial consultation. He talked me through everything again and was calm and patient throughout. 

The anaesthetist was exactly as the surgeon had described; a quietly confident and calming influence. He talked me through his part in proceedings, being happy to address my technical questions. 

In Induction, I was obviously becoming a bit nervous and one of the nurses was incredibly kind and supportive throughout. Whilst I was counting myself to sleep, I was aware of her talking to me and gently rubbing my arm.

In Recovery I had a period of anxiousness and agitation which made my breathing erratic. A trainee (another 2nd year from the Kirkcaldy Campus) took me through some breathing exercises to settle my breathing. The entire team of nurses around me in Recovery were wonderful, talking to me and reassuring me. They knew that I was watching the monitors and were very open in assuring me that there was nothing to be concerned about. 

Back on the ward, the incredible care continued until I was ready to be collected and taken home. 

All post-operative instructions and paperwork were clearly explained to me, one nurse waiting after her shift ended to clarify an error on the doctor's letter.

Another anaesthetist (I think) took time to look at my ECG with me and accompanied me to print out a copy for my GP on the way out of the ward.

NHS Fife should be very proud of the staff they have working for them. 

My main words to describe my short stay are: compassionate, empathetic, understanding, calm, friendly, dedicated and professional. 

Above all, everything clearly demonstrated a group of professionals working as a team. This is what makes the NHS tick.

I'm always loathe to name individuals in case I get names wrong or forget someone. The names I do recall are Dr Graeme (surgeon), Sammy (student nurse), Irene, Julie, 2 Karens in Recovery (one a trainee) and an anaesthetist whose name I can't spell! 

If I didn't get your name, please be assured that I appreciate you every bit as much.