"Cardiology support"

I have a significant heart condition and am waiting on a transplant. I have a Left Ventricular Assist Device and an ICD implanted.

The support from Cardiology in the Royal has been excellent. In particular I would highlight the excellent support from the Heart Failure Team. I would especially commend the support from the Heart Failure Nurses. This is excellent. It is caring, professional and always available.

Even during the current pandemic support has been there. I have had outpatient appointments with medical staff twice. The doctors have been very good, though in the long run I see no benefit from phone consultations for many patients. Medicine works by seeing the patient, examining the patient and carrying out tests. There is a real danger that phone consultations, rather than speeding up appointments, will simply add a layer a patient has to get through so see a specialist. Again this in no way way reflects on the efforts of medical staff in very difficult circumstances to continue with a service that is challenging at the best of times.

I would also like to comment on the work of  technical staff in the ICD department. I had a problem with my ICD and they went to enormous efforts to help me reassure me and ensure my wellbeing.