"From apprehension to confidence and respect"

I was recently a day patient in the Gastro-Enterology Department at Queen`s.

I was apprehensive and had two procedures to face - neither of them pleasant.

From the start every member of staff I encountered was cheerful, positive and kind.

The nurses worked like clockwork, wasting no time.

The staff explained every thing clearly and could not be faulted.

The Doctor was very clear about the procedures and gave me confidence.

It was painless thanks to the sedation although I was awake and could view the screen.

Afterwards I was allowed to recover in my own time and did not feel I had to leave to vacate the bed.

The hot chocolate went down well after fasting for 2 days!

Before I left I was relieved to be told nothing untoward was found.

How can I express my thanks?

I was not a number but a person and felt I had received truly individual treatment and care.

Our NHS is great and Queen`s deserves to be given credit for its exemplary staff.

Valerie Coombes.