"Brilliant experience with cheerful, helpful staff"

I visited the dermatology department by myself after a 14 week wait and a frustrating year being passed around GPs and other health services. After signing in with the staff on the desk, I sat in the waiting room where I heard receptionists welcoming patients and making them laugh. Nurses passed the corridor, each cheerful, helpful and considerate, whether offering coffee to an elderly patient, opening the windows on a warm day or helping me find my misplaced folder with my medical notes. Hearing their happiness and kindness helped put me at ease when I felt nervous. I saw the doctor next. My appointment was running late but the waiting room was pleasant and the doctor was apologetic about the delay. She proceeded to ask questions about my symptoms and I felt she truly listened to my answers. Her approach was thorough and she asked more questions than any of the doctors I'd previously seen. She patiently and kindly answered my questions, never making me feel silly for asking specific or uncomfortable questions. She explained her diagnosis clearly and I left feeling satisfied with the agreed upon course of treatment. My experience in the dermatology department was brilliant. The long wait time was frustrating but I can now understood why the team is in high demand, and I appreciated that my appointment didn't feel rushed, as I'm sure every other patient would also appreciate. A month later and the treatment appears to be working. This experience restored my confidence in the NHS and I'd highly recommend the team.