"Outstanding Care"

Twice inside a fortnight I have needed to go into Torbay Hospital. I have had to interact with over 40 members of the hospital team. Paramedics, a+E wards Allerton & a+e4 surgical, Gastro, urology, oncology, diabetes, palliative, porters, CT operators and not forgetting cleaners and catering staff. It’s been a very traumatic time for me & my family. Initially having a ruptured stomach ulcer to the CT finding multiple terminal cancers. All of which were totally unknown to me. The care , consideration and treatment I have been given is truly outstanding. Even more so when I have had time to watch the Hospital staff deal with members of the public whilst trying to do their jobs.

At every stage I have felt in good hands. I don’t believe I was simply fortunate to of had the right people at the right time. I needed to many over an extended period of time for it to simply be good luck. It shows the level of training, commitment and exceptional people involved with the Hospital is outstanding.

Whilst my body needed treatments & tests. It was never forgotten that I was a person. The impact of a terminal diagnosis is devastating however the way in which that prognosis is delivered is so important and for me it was both caring and professionally done. Particularly the consideration for my wife. Then also my extended family.

Undergoing numerous tests, transfusions and a biopsy over a 10 day period. Then being taught how to deal with my equally newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes due to pancreatic cancer. Could have been completely over whelming yet the compassion and time given to me was exemplary. At every stage every interaction with a member of the hospital team was truly amazing. It was obvious to me all departments were interacting and overlapping for my treatment.

Having time when you are recuperating to observe not just my own care but others. Also how staff go about their daily duties it was astonishing to me just how absolutely every member of staff was so professional. What took it to another level was the manner in which they all went about it.

I’m sure it’s trained for them to try to be bright and cheerful around patient's to create a pleasant atmosphere for healing. However it’s wonderful as patient to have a cleaner be cheerful and say something positive. Simply interact. The catering staff understanding their role as one of great importance. Smiling making jokes as they take your orders, deliver your food & clear up. Simply taking the time to interact.

I was blown away by the food because you hear so many people knocking hospital food.

I understand the criteria around food in hospitals and it’s logistics. Taking this into consideration what I received surpassed my expectations. Especially a simple cup of tea and a few biscuits at 02:30 am.

In summary my experience of Torbay Hospital has been one of one of outstanding care. I’m truly appreciative of the way I was treated.

At this level our NHS is in great hands

Thank you

Barry Hingston