"Exceptional treatment"

I write to thank the very many people who have given me such wonderful care within NHS Lanarkshire over the last year.  

Following occasional urinary signs, noticeable weight loss and an inconclusive blood test in 2017, I had an abdominal ultrasound scan in early January 2018.  The result was again inconclusive but indicated further examination.  I was referred to the renowned consultant Mr Dunn of the Department of Urology at Monklands Hospital who arranged for me to have Flexible Cystoscopy at Wishaw General and a CT scan at Hairmyres Hospital in early February.  An appointment was arranged to attend Mr Dunn’s Urology clinic at Hairmyres Hospital for February and I received a kind and helpful phone call from Mr Dunn’s secretary in which she suggested I should bring a close relative with me.  I realised immediately what this could mean and that I might be about to find out my worst suspicions could be true.  I felt very vulnerable.   

On arrival at the clinic I was supported straight away by the professional expertise of the NHS staff who were all so kind and caring.  With clarity, but with reassurance, Mr Dunn explained that a tumour had developed in my right kidney and that the best option was to have the tumour and whole kidney removed.  Although cancer was the news I had dreaded, the care and expertise shown by each and every one at the clinic gave me hope and confidence.   In  March I was admitted to Ward 6 at Monklands Hospital for removal of my right kidney with its cancerous tumour.  Although still filled with a daunting sense of anxiety, I soon sensed from the kind and encouraging nurses that I was in very expert, safe hands and I began to feel a little less vulnerable.  It is a very busy ward where all the staff work long hours helping many patients but they found time to give me a wonderful level of care on the day before surgery, during the next day - with its seven hours operation - and then over the next week in the ward recovering.   

So, almost one year on, here I am alive and well to recount the tale.  I feel so fortunate to have been admitted to Monklands Hospital under Mr Dunn and his team in Ward 6.  Whether porters, tea ladies and cleaners - whose cheery smiles and chat made a bad situation so much better - or nurses, nursing assistants, consultants, doctors, anaesthetists and secretaries it is impossible for me and my husband to know where to begin to thank all those I met along the way.  Each and every one of these very special people deserve our unsparing gratitude for the exceptional treatment, care and support they gave me within NHS Scotland.