"Gold standard care"

I am so impressed & incredibly grateful for the care & attention received by my aunt at this worrying time. From initial GP appointment when referral was made, things have progressed steadily forward with another step along the way each week. First an ultrasound, then a consultants appointment, carried out at the local community hospital in Ards. Close to home & very accessible. And treated with the utmost care & respect.

Next a CT scan at the Downe. So swift and efficient yet carried out in a professional, caring & unhurried manner. Next a double endoscopy. This appointment was brought forward and arranged by telephone by Nathan. My aunt had been praying that she would get an answer about her diagnosis & a plan.  When the call from Nathan came she was so incredibly grateful & relieved to get an appointment in just 2 days time. Nathan went by far above & beyond to ensure that she received the medication she needed prior to the procedure & dropped it off with her on his way home. Outstanding. 

On the morning of the appointment we were greeted at the Endoscopy Day Procedure Unit in the Ulster Hospital by a very friendly, cheerful and professional member of the team on the front desk. We were directed to the spacious & comfortable waiting area. Busy, with lots of patients, but not cramped or crowded. After a short wait the loveliest nurse, Pat, brought my aunt through to be admitted. Her manner & tone were perfect.

The procedures involved were to be unpleasant but everything was clearly explained & described in a comprehensive, bright & user friendly way. Very important when someone is feeling anxious. My aunt was put at ease & was managed warmly & caringly and I felt 100% confident (& incredibly appreciative) that the staff were so professional & empathic.

Whilst waiting for the procedures to be completed, other patients kept coming. All were greeted with the same warm & friendly attitude and brought through by nursing staff who were so relentlessly bright, warm & attentive. The level of care received at the outset of a daunting appointment & when being escorted back out to family members anxiously waiting to bring patients home couldn’t be more highly commended. Gold standard!! Outstanding. Thank you isn’t quite enough, but thank you all the same.