"Excellent Care During a Terrifying Time"

In March 2022, I was a final year student teacher. In April 2022, I was a critically ill cancer patient. After visiting my GP I was suddenly thrust into a world I had no idea about. After a week in hospital in different wards I was transferred to Ward 4C. From the get go I was welcomed, informed and cared for. I spent several months on this ward over 4 visits.

At my most vulnerable time in my life, as a young female with a devastating diagnosis, I should have felt scared, lost and alone. But I didn't. I felt safe on this ward. I felt cared for. I felt informed and involved in my own care. I felt like the staff really made an effort to get to know me and treat me like a person with hopes and dreams. I got to know the staff here too. I didn’t go a day without a smile on my face despite receiving gruelling chemotherapy.

Every single member of staff I came into contact with, in every single conversation I had, asked a variation of the same question - ‘ What more can I do?’, “ How can I make your day better?’ or ‘ Is there anything else I can get you?’. Every single time. I never felt like a nuisance or a burden, although I'm sure sometimes I was.

My family was also welcomed, infomed and received excellent care.

During the scariest time of my life, my views and opinions were valued and I felt involved and informed in my care, which was extremely important to me. I was taken seriously and treated with dignity, respect and compassion. I felt 100% confident in the staff and this truly made a difference to my care.

It is surely a time I will never forget in my life, but despite the circumstances, I will look back at it with a smile. I will forever be thankful for the first class care I received here.

The staff of this ward are heroes. The NHS should be proud to have such upstanding staff who truly care for their patients and make the most terrifying and challenging time in their patients lives easier.

To the staff on Ward 4C, thank you. Thank you so much. Special shoutout to Dr Hart, Wendy, Tammy, Jane, Jen and the Sarahs.