How to say thank you to NHS staff

[phobicpatient]

I've put other messages on here about how much I dread any smears/coil changes etc. Anyway I finally had mine done yesterday and they were amazing. I was a bit freaked out. They gave me loads of time. A lovely HCA held my hand and kept talking to me and I got through it.

I want to thank them. I think a card/letter specificially naming the HCA and Dr would be nice...to the team or higher ups?

But any ideas for a gift? I thought of sweets/chocolates for the team but that's maybe a bit naff. What about tea/coffee? Biscuits

Sounds good. Cards with names can be used for our revalidation.

@Toddlerteaplease sent to them personally and they keep it for their files or to the team manager who presumably shows them?

Sounds like fantastic care. Others may disagree, but if I was that staff member I'd be happy with a card to me and a letter/email to management. They are often awash with chocolate as Christmas approaches. NHS staff rarely get recognition for exceptional service and the thank you would be registered.

It was suggested to me that a box of biros, tubes of hand cream, lip balms etc were all appreciated.

yes that's what I thought we are always swamped with chocolate in my team

Look for their trust website or their speciality website and look for a link with something like ‘patient experience’ or feedback as well as the card. That will feedback to their managers and higher.

A card to them personally and letter/email to their manager will be perfect and very much appreciated.
Some teams gave a "news" slot at their staff meetings when things like this are brought up

thank you all

I missed this one earlier - what a good idea. I'm going to do that. Better than chocolate. Thank you

I've already sent an email to the team and cced patient experience and the Chief Exec. Got a lovely reply from the team already.

Dear Team
I need to say thank you for the care and kindness at my appointment in X yesterday (27 October). I am very phobic about the whole internal examination process and the Dr X and X (the HCA) were amazing and so kind. Their generosity with their time to listen to me and hold my hand has made a huge difference to me. I can't thank them enough. I honestly think it has reset my whole mindset around health care interactions and examinations.

Also, a big thank you to X who called me last week cancel my appointment (I could have cried) but actually then changed my new appointment from the X clinic to X clinic because he listened to my concerns and knew that yesterday's clinic was the better one for me. He took the time to check with his manager too to be sure. So, in short everyone in the whole team is fantastic.

While I was waiting lots of people came and went and everyone was treated so kindly and warmly. No questions were dismissed, and no one was hurried along. We hear so much doom and gloom about the NHS and I can see things are dire for staff but that didn't come across in any way. Compassion and kindness shone through in everyone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You really made my day.
I walked in with shaky legs and half a plan to make a run for it but instead I left with a smile on my face.

Thank you
XXXXX