"Quick and caring breast cancer treatment at West Cumberland"

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago after being referred by my GP only the previous week.

I was told the result of the fine needle biopsies within 45 minutes, options were discussed with me, and it was arranged that I have surgery at West Cumberland Hospital 8 days later. I was given contact details if I wanted to discuss things further, but really had no time to worry overmuch.

Admission always seems quite lengthy, although all the stages were explained. I was admitted on a Wednesday with the operation planned for the following morning, and the intention being to discharge me on the Friday.

Everything went quite smoothly. I had a single bed room. The ward was elderly but clean, and in fact will be closed for refurbishment from the end of the month, with staff and patients moving across the corridor to a refurbished ward.

The staff were helpful and caring.

On discharge it was arranged for a district nurse to come at the beginning of the next week to remove my dressings. The breast care nurse came to check that I had understoood what was happening and to reassure me that they were there to answer any queries I might think of later.

I was very satisfied with the level of care.