"Dedicated professionals"

I was referred for an ultrasound earlier this year for a large lump in my abdomen. Within an hour of that, I was called with a gynaecology appointment for the following week.

After further tests it was suspected to be a borderline ovarian cancer.

Previous surgeries meant removal was complex and Dr Dhawle spent some time talking through the risks and potential complications with me. He  advised that the procedure would have to be carried out robotically.

I was added to the waiting list and referred to Dr Ragupathy for the procedure.

I had my surgery 3 weeks later.

I had a lengthy call with Dr Ragupathy in advance. She was very reassuring and advised that by anticipating complications and having the right team - including Mr Campbell and Dr Campell anaesthetist – and equipment in place, everything was being done to mitigate the risks.

The procedure was lengthy and complex but could not have gone better and my recovery from the robotic surgery was remarkable – night and day compared with open surgery.

Throughout the whole process I cannot thank and commend the staff within NHS Tayside enough. From ultrasound and radiology to the admission and theatre teams and the staff within the gynae suite after surgery, everyone was fantastic.

Doctors Ragupathy and Dhawle showed such personal, compassionate care throughout, always having time to explain things or answer questions and address concerns. And Dr Ragupathy’s surgical expertise meant I had the best possible outcome.

At a time when the NHS receives so much negative publicity, I cannot speak highly enough of it. The system does work when it needs to and we are so lucky to have so many dedicated professionals working within it.