"I trusted her completely"

I had a date for an upcoming ERCP. 3 days before I was to attend the DPU for blood tests in the event that I would need a blood transfusion after the incoming procedure. I was greeted by SN Amanda who took me into one of the rooms to complete a questionnaire and to take blood. I knew by her tone she was very kind and I felt at ease immediately. Before taking the blood I told Amanda that my veins aren't very obvious from either arm/hand so she had a good look at all options. Deciding on one arm, she felt around, narrowing it down, inserted the needle and drew blood on the first attempt, much to my relief!

Three months earlier, I was an inpatient on the EMSU. I had to get blood cultures done every day and I had a miserable time and one which I would never wish to repeat. I had nurses and Dr's attempting to draw blood, most of them unsuccessfully. Instead of feeling around for a viable vein, they would repeatedly stick my arms and hands and mainly hope for the best. Ultimately the vein would collapse and leave me in pain. 

Amanda told me she wouldn't stick me unless she felt the vein was a good one, and that's exactly what she did. She was able to get enough blood for the tests required, the first time and without pain. I was so relieved and couldn't believe I was in/out of the unit within 30 mins. 

Later that evening I noticed a voicemail from the DPU asking me to return the following morning to repeat one of the blood tests due to a paperwork error. I returned and thankfully it was Amanda who greeted me and again took me to a side room. She explained the mix up from the day before, then proceeded to inspect my arms. Again she felt around, found a good vein and drew blood first time. I honestly can't tell you how relieved I was. It absolutely stresses me completely when I know I have to give blood specimens and it makes the entire experience a very unpleasant one.

Thankfully, I can say I'm so grateful that on both days, I had the sheer pleasure of being treated by Amanda. On the 2nd day she apologised profusely for the mix up and my having to return a 2nd day to give another sample. I told her the apologies were unnecessary. I could see how flustered and annoyed she was. It was an error with the printer, it was no one's fault and just one of those things. But regardless, Amanda kept apologising. I trusted her completely, I knew I wouldn't have been there a 2nd day if it wasn't completely necessary.

I had my ERCP. Whilst I had different nurses looking after me, I did see Amanda and we briefly chatted, and I saw her again when I was leaving the Endoscopy Unit. I would like to say a big thank you to Amanda, Aoife, Claire, Jacqui and all the staff on the unit for looking after me so well. They're a great team who never stopped the entire time I was there. Thank you and good luck in everything you do!