""Professional" - MRI and Physio at University Hospital Crosshouse "

Several weeks back I visited my Rheumatologist Consultant at Ayrshire Central Hospital for my routine 6-monthly review and to discuss a recently acquired back pain. I had a series of X-rays there and then and was referred to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for further investigation. Today I visited Crosshouse for two separate, but related appointments. First was a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), then after a coffee break, a session with the Physiotherapist.

MRI. When I called the Department a few weeks ago to confirm my appointment, I asked for advice due to me being slightly claustrophobic. (I had an MRI about 20 years ago which did two things: 1) told me I was claustrophobic and 2) made me vow never to have another one again! ) The Lady who took my call, after putting me on hold for a minute, put me through to the nursing staff who would perform the scan. I will not go into detail here, but I was greatly assured by the discussion we had. So today at 0820, I successfully had another MRI. I did not even get to the end of my 'Relaxing' Elgar CD before it was all over. The 'New' MRI scanner at Crosshouse Hospital is very patient friendly, ie more roomy, much quieter and quicker than my previous experience. The two Nurses who looked after me all the time (and spoke to me at intervals during the scan) were simply magnificent. Thank you Ladies.

Physio. Coffee break over, I made my way down to the Physiotherapy Department and was pleasantly greeted at the reception desk. I was given a short questionnaire (and a pen! ) to complete and give it to my assigned Physio when called. I found the form well written & easy to understand and, that if I had needed help to complete, this would have been given. Then my name was called.

My Physio was a young Lady called Lindsay and as we walked to the treatment bay, she asked me about my run in to the Hospital, did I have any trouble parking, finding her etc. This is a great technique to help any anxious patient 'feel at home'. In the treatment bay Lindsay asked about my current problem, what it was, where it was and how it affected my day to day life. At this point I made her aware of several other problems I had at the moment, not necessarily relevant to this visit I know, but who knows? Lindsay went off to review the x-rays I had taken a few weeks back at Ayrshire Central and asked me to change into the shorts, no top, I had been asked to bring.

I will gloss over the physical tests and checks she did but I stress that at no time did I feel any pain; I was told to stop just before any pain set in. My dignity was maintained at all times. When we discussed some personal questions, her voiced dropped in order to ensure she was not overheard. A true professional!

As is usual for me, I had a few questions to ask. I am one of those who feels a responsibility for my own health and am always keen to learn more. Lindsay went off as I changed back into my day clothes but shortly returned with a full size model of the spine and sacrum area. She listened carefully as I asked my questions (that is so important to me! ). I know she had other patients to see but as far as I could make out, I was her immediate priority. After 5 minutes I was more than happy with her responses.

I have written elsewhere that Hospitals can be stressful places for both patients and Healthcare Professionals. Both appointments today were carried out in the most professional and understanding manner one could ask for. At no time did I feel stressed or that I was being a nuisance for asking questions. This experience if what I have come to expect of NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

PS. I asked the Physio, Lindsay, for permission to tell this story and mention her name. She was aware of Patient Opinion and was delighted for me to share our experience today. I really do look forward to meeting her again at my next appointment.