"My dad’s diagnosis and treatment"

I have always known how lucky we are to have our wonderful NHS and what a wonderful service it provides but this has been particularly poignant for our family over the last few weeks when my dad, a very fit and healthy 75 year old was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

This was picked up by a blood test at a Wellness clinic at his GP surgery, this was a huge shock for us but he was soon operated on by a Consultant using a new robotic machine at Crosshouse hospital. This robot means that the operation took just over 3 hours when it normally would take 10 hours, it is far less invasive, less chance of infection and quicker recovery time.

The Consultant phoned my mum to tell her that operation went well and all the tumour has been removed with no requirement for further treatment.

My dad was up walking around the ward the following day and he looked so well that I took my 12 year old to see him, until then we hadn’t told him anything.

My dad was part of an Enhanced Recovery program and was able to be discharged 48 hours after his operation. The care and attention that he received while in hospital including on the ward was amazing but the best place next for his recovery was in his own bed.

Remarkably he was able to attend a Christmas party night with family, a week after his operation. I still can’t quite believe this!

Our family is so grateful for the staff at NHS Ayrshire and Arran for their care and attention of my dad. 

We appreciate the professionalism and commitment of all the staff, from our family GP practice, the operating team and the fabulous staff on Ward 4B at Crosshouse Hospital.