"It was a great experience entirely!"

I was checked into the Endoscopy unit by SN Aoife. She was so lovely and put me at ease right away. She then took me to the ward where I was given my gown then she prepared to put in a cannula. I'm one of those patients whose veins are not very obvious and need to be found mainly by touch. Aoife took the time to feel around for a good vein until she was certain it would be productive...and it was!

I've had previous hospital experiences where nurses and Drs would queue to take blood as the previous attempts failed and they were certain to get it right!. On a rare occasion they had to resort to calling an anaesthetist! I can't tell you how happy and relieved I was that Aoife was successful first time because she took the time to feel and find the right vein without needlessly sticking my arm several times without achieving a positive result. I also chatted and was aided by Claire and Jacqui, who were fantastic in engaging and keeping me at ease throughout.

I was taken to the unit for my procedure and again, the staff were amazing. This was my 2nd ERCP so I remembered most of the staff from before - Lisa, Rebecca, Lorna, Stephanie and of course Dr Gray. They were fantastic at putting and keeping me at ease, as although this was my 2nd procedure, I was still nervous. Thankfully, it was as straightforward as I was hoping for. I trusted them implicitly. The professionalism , the smiling faces and kind words told me you're going to be ok and we'll look after you...which they did!

I returned to the ward and was again looked after well, again by Aoife and Claire and also chatted with Jacqui. Also, on this particular day, the new hospital computer system wasn't working as proficiently as it should and so the staff had to attempt to combat the issues which took their time and attention from more important things, ie other patients!

Thankfully, my experience has been an extremely positive one and so I'd like to thank everyone from the Endoscopy ward and procedure room immensely for your help, kindness and professionalism. It was a great experience entirely!