"The care and compassion I received throughout"

I rang my GP practice in November 2020 with a concern about an unusual lesion on my back. The receptionist at Clanrye Medical Practice was warm, efficient, and helpful. She arranged an urgent call with Dr Keenan, who asked me to send through a photograph. I was sent a secure link, uploaded my photo, and was phoned back soon afterwards. Dr Keenan decided to refer me to the dermatology clinic, and listened to my preference to attend RVH. I indicated I'd be happy to take a short-notice cancellation appointment, and this was also noted. Dr Keenan was great - putting me at ease, asking all the right questions, really listening to me, and then organising the referral swiftly and effectively.

The dermatology service phoned me within a couple of days, and I got a cancellation appointment within a week. This would be a great service at any time, but during covid it was even more impressive.

One of the dermatology secretaries then phoned me to check I was definitely planning to attend and that I knew where to go. I confessed that I was considering cancelling the appointment as I thought the lesion was finally beginning to heal. She persuaded me to keep the appointment, even though I felt a bit guilty about wasting the team's time.

At the dermatology clinic in RVH, I was greeted with a smile and a welcome. I didn't have to wait long, and everyone was trying hard to compensate for the PPE barriers to human connection. I was seen by Dr Raichura, who indicated he thought I should have two lesions removed. He explained everything clearly and ensured I understood and consented. He was warm, clear, and efficient, and I felt I could trust him. The procedure was done immediately by two nurse practitioners - Irene and Michelle. They were fabulous - putting me at ease, ensuring I was comfortable, keeping me relaxed and distracted with just the right amount of conversation.

I saw them again ten days later when I got my stitches out, and they were just as warm, welcoming, and professional as before. The wounds were healing beautifully and I was again convinced that both lesions would turn out to be benign.Yesterday I discovered that I had skin cancer. Luckily, it is a non-life threatening carcinoma and it has been fully removed.I will be forever grateful to all of the people I mentioned above. I am grateful to our Health & Social Care system, grateful for the speed and efficiency of my treatment, and particularly grateful for the care and compassion I received throughout. I do hope someone can work out which secretary spoke to me on the Friday before my appointment and thank her for me. Only for that conversation, I may well have cancelled. During this challenging year, all of these professionals have been working harder than ever. The doorstep clapping has died away, and yet they keep going, knowing they must. Well, I and my family continue to salute you for everything you do.Thank you.