"Recent CAU visit and follow-up care"

In early June, I began experiencing a dull, persistent ache/pain on my right side. It culminated one evening in being in intense stabbing pain and discomfort. I'd had my appendix removed in my teens, so knew it wasn't that. I was seen by my GP the next morning, who referred me to Ayr CAU. Long story short, after several hours in the team's excellent care, which included a CT scan, they concluded that it may have been a kidney stone, although nothing of that nature remained tin evidence on the scan. However, via this scan, they also spotted that my left ovary was enlarged and the doctor advised he would be referring me for a gynae appointment as well as a renal follow-up. I was incredibly grateful for their thoroughness and all-round care.

This appointment came through really quickly and I was seen first by the excellent Michelle and her team. In fact, to say Michelle's manner and care was "excellent" really is an understatement. She gave generously of her time and experience to explain things to me and most of all, was so reassuring. Not in a glib "there, there, I'm sure it will be fine" way but really genuinely reassuring, explaining things properly, unhurriedly and not patronising or anything. All the team were caring too, making you feel at ease in a really uneasy environment. 

After this, I had an equally quick follow-up ultrasound to get a more detailed look than the CT scan could provide. The two ladies who saw me that day too were so kind and professional, keeping me relaxed and informed as they did the procedure.

And this was followed up, once again, so quickly by an appoinment I had today with gynae consultant Dr Konamme. He was lovely - professional, considerate, explaining things well, and so thorough. I had another camera scope but while all this was happening, there was lots of light-hearted conversation amongst the supporting nursing staff, that kept the smile quota high and the anxiety level low, being a great deflection from what is understandably an uncomfortable procedure. Instead of feeling tensed up, I was as at ease as possible. And Dr Konamme took the time to show me the good news, pointing things out on the screen and reassuring me that, in his opinion, everything looked fine. My appointment concluded with the invitation to contact his secretary directly should another similar occurrence happen within the next 6 months.

And just this evening, Michelle called just to check in and make sure I was ok and to see if I had any remaining questions etc. following today's appointment. And also to let me know not hesitate to get in touch should anything crop up in the near future that concerns me in this area.

How do you even find language for this level and quality of care? From the GP appointment, and CAU visit, to the three visits to the gynae team, it has simply been a journey of true care, the utmost professionalism and just lovely, considerate human beings. And all this in the midst of a global pandemic! I'm truly beyond grateful to each and every one of them. 

And to the Whitehall government if you read these forums (and you really should!) - pay heed! Our NHS are not just world-class, but world-leading. Even under severe austerity cuts and challenges, we are the envy of the world.