"A member of parking staff who was so kind to me"

I feel compelled to feedback about a really positive experience I had which made a huge difference to me on a particular day I was attending for cancer treatment at The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. In February 2024, I was scheduled to attend my first radiotherapy appointment. If I'm honest the previous year of diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery had already taken its toll and I was at a really low ebb. I already had anxiety about attending a new hospital, had fears about driving to Edinburgh, wondering if I could get parked and even finding the cancer centre.

Literally on the verge of having a meltdown, I managed to find the correct car park and was greeted by a female parking attendant. (She had dark hair and I wished I had asked her name). She must've seen I was 'on edge'. She greeted me with a huge smile and told me where to go and said I'd always get parked, not to worry at all and showed me where to park and I could join the queue of other cars waiting. She said she had one rule....that she didn't allow beeping/tooting in her car park as everyone was going through a tough time and we all had to be kind.  She even went out her way to signal when a parking space became free, told me to reverse and that she would stand in the space till I got there. She even asked if I had mobility issues and if I was okay to walk from the car park. Although I was totally able to walk from the car park I appreciate elderly/ infirm/ disabled patients would really benefit from attentive care like this, so well done to her! 

Sometimes small things, make a huge difference. The way she was, how she put me at ease, how friendly she was made me feel like I could cope with going in for my treatment. Honestly, every fibre of my being was telling me not to go to hospital for treatment (because I was scared). However that lass got me in the hospital that day! I loved how she had her no tooting rule. I feel she just understood how hard it is for cancer patients some days. 

She left a positive lasting impression on me and when I came out I wanted to thank her, but she had obviously ended her shift. That being said, my treatment is daily and I was so chuffed to see her the next day and be able to thank her personally. 

I really hope this gets back to her. She was just doing her job, but oh my goodness, she did it with compassion, empathy and kindness. She was so cheery, welcoming and positive. It can't be much fun for her sitting or standing in the freezing cold all day plus she had crutches/walking sticks/aids today. I would love it if she was aware how much of a difference she made to me. 

Huge thanks to all your Staff but an extra special thanks to her.

Regards