"A very positive experience"

I had a Colonoscopy at The Royal Derby Hospital. The nurse who rang me to explain the procedure and to talk through the bowel prep was amazing. I was incredibly anxious and she calmed me down, reassured me and went through everything carefully and slowly step by step.

As the Colonoscopy had been arranged quickly, I had to pick my bowel prep up from the unit. The staff were brilliant at getting it ready for me and apologised it wasn't ready (I had turned up unannounced in the hope it was ready).

On the day itself, my anxiety levels were at their worst. Right from the moment I walked into the unit the staff were amazing. I felt looked after from start to finish. The nurse who booked me in was so kind and gentle with me.

The consultant who performed the colonoscopy could see how anxious I was. He was so lovely and calming. I felt calm throughout the procedure.  I had a nurse next to me the whole time who let me have gas and air if I needed it and even gave me a hug!

My aftercare was brilliant in recovery. All the staff were really kind and chatty. On discharge the nurse went through all the findings. She was brilliant, very informative and went through what to expect and answered all my questions. I am returning in a few months for treatment and can honestly say it was a very positive experience.

Obviously it is not something you want to do, but the staff really do care and I feel as though I have taken positive action towards my bowel health. Thank you, Royal Derby Colonoscopy unit.