"A good and compassionate service but under..."

I write this mainly for encouragement to staff and potential new patients. The support my partner received from our doctor throughout her two year struggle with her brain tumour was always as kind and as well directed as it could be, given the relative rarity of her meningioma and its unpredictable side effects. Though it was obvious the doctors and reception were struggling under immense pressure, once we got face to face I always felt their real compassion and concern. Supportive medications were identified patiently at each symptomatic stage, including peripheral ones that helped with sleep and mood as well as pain relief. My concern would be for patients without partners or close carers because it is undeniably difficult to get appointments. Many times I would queue outside with others at 8.30 am to get a same day appointment. Always successfully thank you! Other times we would have to rely our doctor's telephone call backs, which were always made same day and well informed. That would not be so easy for patients in distress living alone. But I recognise that is a criticism of resources to be directed at NHS funders, not the Manor Park team. The end of life care and medications for my partner were very well organised in combination with the amazing St. Wilfrid's Hospice home care team. Thank you all for making a horrendous situation bearable.