"My pragmatic 82 yr old mother (still..."

What I liked

My pragmatic 82 yr old mother (still fortunately in possession of all her marbles) was diagosed with breast cancer 30 years ago and has been stoically battling with it with the assistance of the NHS ever since.

Late last year the cancer became aggressive necessitating radio therapy followed by chemo therapy this year. The growths spread and entered her hip which crumbled.

In June she went into the QA where her prognosis was most carefully considered. It was decided that she needed an extensive hip revision to allow her some quality of life albeit perhaps for only a year

.

Both the oncology and ortho consultants worked in conjunction and she was kept fully informed at all stages. The surgery was successful and she stayed for a few nights in the critical care unit. The whole team there were totally professional and charming - which is more than can be said for a tiny minority of revolting visitors who smoked ,smelt and boozily argued).

The care on the wards was excellent and the rooms were clean. A charge nurse picked up immediately on slight chest pains my mother experienced four days after the op and acted appropriately identifying a very mild heart attack. It was quality nursing of the highest standard.

In total my mother spent over 4 weeks there. She has nothing but praise for everyone she came in contact with and delighted not to have been treated by anyone as a daft old lady.

The building has wide and airy corridors and the waiting area for oncology patients is amazing in its cathedral like design.Reading some of the negative comments about the building I think that perhaps people should reflect that it is a place of work and not just for visitors.It has to be a practical working environment and yes sometimes people will see blood on the floor before it is cleaned up. Guess what - its a hospital!!!!!!

Well done the QA and many many thanks.

What could be improved

A mandatory bath for the vile few visitors who don't like soap and water and a lesson in how to speak pleasantly to staff and other visitors. However as that could be difficult to achieve in this cost cutting climate perhaps simply herding them through a sheep dip type system first could be cheapest!