"A consummate professional"

Having recently returned from a scheduled appointment with Dr Saunders Lead Clinician at the NHS Barnstaple NDDH Royal University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Healthcare for Older People TEAM.

I am compelled to write that my various appointments within an extremely busy Hospital still successfully struggling with full beds, massive Staffing pressures and apparent Patient “catch up”. Leaves me with nothing but complete Admiration, Respect, Appreciation and total Awe for the empathetic care and superb committed professionally skilful Teams, specialist Consultations throughout my overall Parkinson’s care visits which leaves me extremely proud of our wonderful and occasionally chastised NHS

Throughout my professional relationship with Dr Saunders, I have found her to be a thoroughly professional, competent and very experienced practitioner, Dr Saunders has a delightful persona, she is totally empathetic, and above all an extremely gentle kind person. Perfectly appointed to the role as the elderly Specialist Parkinson’s practitioner and an inspiring credit to the NHS and Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS foundation Trust.

Dr Saunders has always made me feel at ease, fully aware of the specific medical options available to me as my complex Parkinson’s conditions progressed and I have been comforted by her outstanding first rate reliable advice. The crucial role, which she has fulfilled in the Void between me having to see a Consultant (and utilising their busy limited time constraints), together with her interface between the Consultants and myself as the patient, have been commendable and most effective in controlling my Parkinson’s symptoms, for which I now feel we have reached the successful balance in my medication and for which I am eternally grateful. Dr Saunders appears to be totally devoted to her high volume patient lists and is always prepared to go above and beyond that which is required of her profession as a Specialist elderly care Doctor. I never appeared to be rushed during my occasionally extended appointments, always felt like an individual patient and nothing ever appeared too much trouble for here!

I am extremely grateful for Dr Saunders' inherent friendship, diligence, timely intervention, flexibility and empathetic care, sensitivity and specialist support that she has proffered me during my appointments. Once again I have nothing but complete awe, admiration, appreciation, and respect for her as a truly consummate professional. A sincere and huge Thank you for your patience, exceptional care, and tremendous Selflessness I wish you well and happiness in your forthcoming deserved retirement. You will sadly be missed.

Remember- “You can’t retire from being amazing”

Sincere regards as ever.

I would be grateful if Dr Saunders at Barnstable NDDH trust can have sight of the above prior to her retirement thank you..