"The team of staff all appeared to work well together!"

When I first walked into the hospital the care staff where very welcoming.  I was brought into a room at endoscopy and had my pulse and blood pressure checked and was asked a few questions, my blood pressure was raised and was asked if this is normal for me, it could just have been that i was feeling anxious about the procedure. then I was asked if I knew what the procedure entailed and was asked for consent and to sign the consent form, I was also asked if I wanted any sedation.  I decided against!

Within a few minutes I was shown to the ward and introduced to Marie, the curtain was pulled round the bed for my privacy and dignity and I was asked if I could get ready for the procedure. Marie then came back and asked for consent to put the cannula into my hand, she then asked if I had signed a consent form, which I had. 

Mr Campbell introduced himself and explained that he would be doing the procedure today, he asked how I had been feeling and were  my reasons for having the colonoscopy done, he said he would take a look before any diagnosis was made, he asked me if I had signed the consent form. 

Mr Campbell and Marie wheeled me on the bed from the ward to the procedure room. All staff where very welcoming, Nurse Lisa took over when Marie left and introduced me to all the staff in the room.  I was asked for consent and they checked that I signed the consent form, asked if I wanted any sedation or needed any pain relief.

Mr Campbell then started the procedure, I was talked through the procedure and between Mr Campbell and Lisa they helped me feel at ease throughout.  Biopsies where taken and I was made aware of this at the time.  Lisa chatted away throughout the procedure and I felt the procedure went as smoothly as it could have!

I was wheeled out and brought to the recovery room, Mr Campbell spoke with me about the diagnosis and biopsies.  Gemma was the nurse that talked me through the diagnosis and gave me leaflets. She also said results would be through to my GP in about 6 weeks time, if i don't hear anything phone down to the GP.  I was given a copy of the letter that would be sent to my GP and aftercare sheets, plus a copy of the consent form. 

Gemma checked my blood pressure in recovery, it was high. She made me some toast and I had water, my blood pressure was checked about 20 minutes later, it was still raised. Gemma talked about the blood pressure and advised me to mention it to the GP as it would need addressed if it is high.  Gemma was lovely, she took the cannula out of my hand and chatted. Gemma phoned my husband to let him know I would be ready to leave in the next fifteen minutes.

My procedure went well, with little discomfort during and afterwards.  All staff where very welcoming and pleasant from the moment I entered the Mid Ulster Hospital to the moment I left.

Many thanks to all the staff that were involved in my procedure that day and aftercare!  I don't feel that any improvements could be made. The team of staff all appeared to work well together!

The staff that stood out for me that day were - Nurse Marie, Lisa and Gemma and massive thank you to them and Mr Campbell for taking the time to talk me through the procedure without just talking to everyone else about my bowel. I think this is of great importance!