"Melenoma care in lockdown"

I was diagnosed with stage 3 mestasis melenoma at the end of February and despite the pending lockdown this worked in my favour in terms of the speed of care offered. I was already reviewed by the melenoma clinic

And had first hand experience of the excellent, person centred and dedicated care offered by Advance melenoma Nurse Ashleigh who has been a god send for the last few years but in particular 2020 no words or amount of thanks could describe how grateful I am for the support she has given me emotionally and also her response to my physical care and treatment has been consistently attentive, informative and proactive. Ashleigh is very active in engaging me in my care plan and respond promptly to any phone and email communication. If there was a nomination for a nursing award she would 100% get my vote as she is everything I would hope from a nursing practitioner and more.

 My consultant Mr Rahman worked closely with Ashleigh and I seen scans, tests and surgery all actioned within two weeks of confirming recurrence. 

I had my surgery in March and thereafter was cared for in plastics and burns. The staff from cleaning staff, health care assistances and amazing nurses, doctors and consultants  have almost become my second family during lockdown having spent 12 days post surgery as  an i patient followed by a Series of outpatient Appointments at dressings clinics. Then due to a infection A further  week in April and three weeks in June back on ward 214.

The only thing I can say about all staff of 214 is that they are AMAZING, they clearly work well as a team and the ethos they have created in Their ward is felt and is incomparable to any previous hospital care I have received.

All nursing staff are very person centred and as well as offering highly competent and attentive physical care they take time to chat and ensure emotional well-being If patients. Their is a nice feel to the whole ward and even when busier this care has not faltered. Nothing ever feels to much to ask of them and they actively encourage you to buzz them whenever help is needed. The nurses are friendly, approachable and warm In their practice and  are very informative and Strong advocates in ensuring I was well informed in my care plan.

All my stays have been during lockdown and I am aware this has brought all kinds of hurdles to be navigated however this isn’t obvious to patients, they offer inclusive care and were able to offer regular support and updates to my Family when I felt to unwell to do so and this was over and above their role but so very appreciated and instrumental in my recovery.

Being a patient isn’t something one hopes or plans for especially for 6 weeks however I have felt so well cared for and my Ongoing recovery Has only been achievable thanks to the melenoma and plastics team. I have got to know the staff during this period and joke that they are now my lockdown family having seen them more than anyone outwith my household.

Whilst I am looking forward to getting home and returning to care as an outpatient this review is only a small bit of my gratitude and I hope that anyone who is due similar surgery or care in ward 214 feels reassured that they will be in safe and caring hands of a highly person centred, skilled and caring multidisciplinary team.

Thank you all so very much.