"I was made to feel completely at ease"

After having had multiple gastroscopys and every one being a traumatic experience for me for a number of reasons, I was hyper anxious about attending for another gastroscopy. I had never had it done at Monklands before and was unsure what to expect. Reception staff were friendly and welcoming. When I was taken into the unit, I was met by Staff Nurse Rob who brought me to my bed space, talked me through the procedures and took the time to listen to my concerns and anxieties due to past experiences. He provided me with some much needed reassurance and advised that all members of the team who would be involved in my gastroscopy would come and have a chat with me. I was made to feel completely at ease and Robert made me feel like I was the only patient in the department. He could not have been nicer, his bedside manner was fabulous and his experience in this field was evident and also reassuring.

The procedure itself was the best out of all I have had, considering it is not a pleasant one! I was spoken through everything as it was happening and guided to focus on my breathing which distracted me from the procedure itself. Being a staff nurse myself, this experience has made me consider my own practice and how simple it can be to make such a positive impact on patients experience. If I ever have to have a repeat gastroscopy I would gladly re-attend Monklands Endoscopy Suite, and Rob is a credit to the entire team.