"Excellent care"

I went for what I thought would be a routine chest x-ray in June this year and due to the diligence and skill of the Radiography people was informed that a lesion had been found on each of my kidneys. I had had no symptoms or problems with them and I realise that if it were not for the timeous scrutiny of the x-ray then the condition would have got much worse further down the line.

This event was quickly followed by another CT scan specifically to look at the kidneys and after confirmation, an appointment was made for a couple of biopsies.

I was admitted to the excellent care of Raigmore Ward3C for the preliminary paperwork and preparation.

I was greeted in the Operating room with a sea of smiling faces and despite my obvious apprehension was immediately made to feel cared for. The procedure was fully explained to me and carried out with great skill and absolutely no pain or discomfort.

Afterwards, a very chatty nurse accompanied me to the recovery area where I waited to be collected and taken to Ward 4B.

Once there I was made to feel cared for and in a safe environment. Although I had to have an unplanned overnight stay, I was fed and watered and an extra pillow and blanket was provided without any fuss. All the nursing staff were very attentive and nothing seemed too much for them to do. Although the staff were always on the go they were very cheery and would answer any queries we had for them. The three other chaps in the ward were equally happy with their lot. Every part of my treatment and recovery was fully explained.

As a result of this experience I feel that when I return to Raigmore for the inevitable RFA procedure I will feel considerably less apprehensive that I did before the start of my medical journey.