"Praise of staff teams during Bowel Cancer treatment"

All too often people are quick to complain and slow to praise.  This is praise for my journey, along with my husband, and our experience with GGH board.

1st step of our journey

Mr Chong, colonoscopy dept, and his team of Diane and Vincent.  All of his team treated me in a gentle manner, grounding me in a calm and dignified experience; good eye contact, soothing manner with a full and clear explanation of my visit.  Mr Chong gave us the news that I had bowel cancer.  He was calm, and gave details of the follow-on appointments he had already requested.  These were for an MRI and CT scan, also a request for Prof Moag to be my surgeon.  

Mr Chong had the exceedingly difficult task of breaking this news to my husband and I. We both felt it could not have been handled any better, and thank him for this.  

2nd step of our journey and Prof Moag's team. 

My husband and I met Prof Moag at the RA Hospital, I recalled what we knew and this was confirmed. Then a full explanation was given re advised treatment, which was robotic laparoscopy at the QEU hospital. Also why this hospital was selected.  We talked further and advice on pre and post op care, news of further appointments etc were given.  Due to Prof Moag's calm, clear and practical manner we left feeling reassured and very positive about what our next step involved.  Post-op and Prof Moag called in to visit me each day, checking stats and seeing how I looked. Thankyou.   Everything was going well, so I was discharged after 4 days.  

I only met a few of the surgical team before the op, but we both send our thanks and gratitude to the work they carried out during this operation.  

Last step, Dr Storey, Colleague and team including CNSS Liz and Wendy. 

An appointment to discuss chemotherapy as an augmentation to my operation.  Again, caring clear, exact information of analysis of expected outcome, with or without taking chemotherapy.  A practical guideline of appointments and bloods regime over the following 6 months.  Printed info on the side effects of taking this treatment was not only given, but also talked through with us by Dr Storey, with the opportunity for both my husband and I to ask questions. 

We had 3 weekly visits to the Beatson, during which time we met with either a Doctor or a CNSS.  All gave us as much time as we wanted to discuss or, ask - be given advice and to clarify what had and was happing with treatment.  The caring concern given by Dr Storey and her team greatly supported both of us during this treatment.  Talking takes away worries and concerns, and each person allowed this.  

To finalise - The short time from Step 1 to now and wellness is miraculous.  We have nothing but praise for the NHS and all who helped guide us along our journey.  

As an aside - all of the above meant we could share this positive journey with both our daughter and close family.  This also reassured them of the care and time given by these teams.... which also put their minds a rest. 

Please put forward to each of the teams mentioned.