"Susan Dawson and the Vascular Surgeon Experience"

I went for a second opinion in August 2014. I had previously been told by another hospital that I should live with my symptoms and do nothing. At 58 years old my quality of life was pretty poor as walking was getting harder and harder due to Intermittent Claudication. I was more than pleased when the doctor at St. Mary's told me that 'due to my age, to do nothing was not an option', I had CTs and Ultrasound studies which resulted in a bypass operation in my right groin due to a blocked artery. This was a success. That was in March 2015. Three months later on 15th July I had another bypass operation on my right leg which is currently healing quite well (fingers crossed). I cannot fault any of the staff I came into contact with. From the Path Lab to the Pharmacy. From the consultant and their Secretary and another doctor (my guardian angel). The Zachary Cope Nursing staff and cleaners. Everyone worked so hard and were so polite and professional at all times. The continuity of care that I received was second to none. At every point I was kept informed of results, advised of the options available to me. At no time did I feel pressured into making a decision. Everything was explained to me in detail. When I had any doubts about the choices I had made or had any concerns, it was never a problem to recap everything. Everyone should take a leaf out of St. Mary's Book. We truly would have a first class NHS system if that were the case. Thank you.