"Excellent!"

What I liked

My first (and complex) dermatological problem involved outpatients at Shotley Bridge. The consultant was charming and considerate. He was unable to easily diagnosis my condition but called in a second consultant for a second opinion. Neither could be confident but agreed I should attend for a biopsy. Later that evening at home my consultant rang me out of the blue. I've been driving home, he said, and had a few more thoughts about your problem - could you call in at UHND tomorrow for further exploration. Too right I could! The second appointment was kept, further investigation undertaken (again by two consultants!) and a treatment decision made. We don't know if it's the right one but that's not the point here - I want to commend the process of care. This has been prompt, personalised and truly considerate of my feelings. This is what a first class NHS service looks like - we can't let it be undermined by letting in private providers with different values and motives!