"Excellent Care and Attention from Ayrshire & Arran NHS"

NHS Wonderful Service, Care and Attention at NHS Ayr & Arran

This really is about the wonderful service and attention that I received from the NHS Teams during July and August 2022, following an attack by COVID on my respiratory function.

Because I suffer from Pulmonary Fibrosis, I am monitored every three months by NHS Respiratory Team A&A. In January 2025, during one of these visits, because I was vomiting most days in the morning, possibly due to the drug that I had been prescribed, a CT scan was requested by the Registrar, Doctor Emily.

I attended the CT Scan a little later, and the Eagle-Eyed Radiologist identified what appeared to be a cancerous mass in my right hand Urethra.

Immediately, I was referred to the Urology Department at Ayr Hospital. It was confirmed that I had a possible cancer or tumour in my Urethra. The treatment was explained to me by Mrs Kerr (Consultant and Surgeon), and my permission to go ahead was agreed.

Shortly after this, I was allocated a date for a Laser Treatment procedure to blast the tumour and kill its growth. The Clinicians who undertook the operation were Dr Adams and Dr Kerr (Anaesthetists), Ms Kerr and Robert (Surgeons), Ian, Tracy and Heather (Theatre Nurses). Unhappily, the procedure was unsuccessful and then abandoned. However, a Stent was inserted to be removed a little later.

I was then admitted to Ward Station 4 at Ayr Hospital for a couple of nights and expertly looked after by Brian, Toni and Sophie (Day Shift Staff Nurses) with Natalie (Night Shift Staff Nurse) who went well over and above ‘The Extra Mile’. Thank you! Support Staff (Nursing Assistants) were Debbie, Margaret, Hannah, and others were terrific!

Some weeks later, I was called for the stent removal and a consultation appointment. Before the procedure, an Oncologist and Lead Nurse, Lillian, met me. She informed me that due to my pulmonary Fibrosis, I would not be able to take a general anaesthetic and would not survive the operation to remove the tumour. Therefore, no further treatment would be offered to me.

Whilst this was a ‘bombshell’ statement, the explanation was that I needed major surgery, but because of my Pulmonary Fibrosis, I would likely not survive the operation.

I will be monitored and supported by Ayr Cancer Support Group with personal contact to Lead Oncology Nurse Lillian should I require it.

This whole story is to say thank you to all involved and mentioned on my journey for the expert, professional, and empathetic way in which my situation has been handled by these amazing NHS Teams.

I will also mention my GP Doctor Orr, Darvel Medical Practice who has been most supportive and my ‘Rock’ throughout – much appreciated!