"Magnificent care and attention"

The headline is - I feel very fortunate and I have received exceptionally good care and consideration throughout my visits to the hospital. I will begin with Oncology and Cardiac!

Oncology - I have had prostate cancer for nine years, and thanks to Mr Parsons' friendly and excellent care and attention a scan showed that movement was detected this year. After a series of further scans I had a course of radiotherapy in November.

The radiographer Lee was most considerate and helpful discussing my treatment. The team delivering my treatment was exceptionally good - great care, consideration and conversations, even raising issues with me before I had asked the question! I told them I had "enjoyed" my visits because they were so nice and friendly. Alex who reviewed my care was brilliant including referring me very quickly to urology regarding my 'peeing' issues. Kate in urology was also kind and considerate and had me sorted out very quickly.

If you do have a Team of the Year Award then I would nominate Alex and the Team for this award - they were exceptional. How many people can say they enjoyed their visits to hospital?

Cardiac - I was very fortunate that a CT scan for my prostate revealed 'incidentally' severe calcified arteries. Whilst in the process of making an appointment to see a cardiologist I had a heart attack in June. Can it ever be minor or mild? I felt a sharp pain in my back and because of the scan my partner brought me to hospital to check.

I arrived at 11:00 am, A&E processed me very quickly and efficiently, the A&E doctor (Alec?) did not like the look of my ECG and I had a stent fitted by 14:00. My surgeon told me that the artery had closed and then reopened. Again I will use the word exceptional including my aftercare on the ward with Becky and her team.

If you do a Coordination of Teams award then I nominate A&E and Cardiac.

The other two departments are Urology and Endoscopy.

Urology - As mentioned above I had issues (as predicted and mentioned) with my urinary habits whilst undergoing radiotherapy. Thanks to Alex's quick action and Kate's excellent tutorial I learnt to self catheterise - a new skill for an old man! Gillian (based at Ottery St Mary) was most helpful on the phone giving guidance and ordered me a package. It was an excellent package as it contained not only the catheters but also wet wipes and scented disposal bags - all welcome and used! (The package came from Sheffield and apparently Braun put in the complimentary products which is excellent).

Endoscopy - and in conclusion - because of previous issues in the autumn (prior to radiotherapy) I had been referred to endoscopy and I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy on Christmas Eve carried out by Lizzie, again all very friendly and helpful.

So thank you all very much for your magnificent care and attention, very much appreciated. I hope that you will all have a successful and enjoyable 2025. Despite your excellent care, if you don't mind, I will endeavour not to trouble you too much next year and preferably not at all!