"I felt very cared for in every sense"

I was admitted to the RD&E for brachytherapy. The entire experience was brilliantly managed and my every need anticipated and met. There was a reassuringly calm atmosphere, no one seemed rushed or anxious to move on, spending time answering my questions and needs, even though they were, of course, under pressure.

In theatre, the procedure obviously demanded great technical as well as clinical skill, but the staff worked unobtrusively, whilst I was kept supported by the Anaethetist, who was there at my side from start to finish. That consistency of contact was important, because, whilst I was anxious about what was to happen, his presence remained calm and supportive throughout the entire time from initial prep to completion of the procedure (4 hours +) - a familiar face in a time of major anxiety!

Afterwards, the Oncologist took time to come and talk to me to see if all was well, to assure me that the procedure had gone well and to ask if I had any questions before I was returned to the ward. The Anaethetist also visited me later in the day to again check that I was ok.

On the ward (Yeo and later Yarty) staff were calm, purposeful, cheerful, ever helpful and friendly. They took time to ensure that I felt like a person in their care, and that was true across the full spectrum of tasks. I felt very cared for in every sense.

Yes, this is fulsome praise for all involved, but it is well deserved and whilst, of course, I wouldn't want to repeat the experience, the people involved did their very best to make this cancer patient's experience as good as it could possibly be.

My heartfelt thanks to all.