"Two visits to the Dermatology Department"

I had previously read poor reports about the Dermatology Department and I was concerned at what treatment I may receive myself as I had an appointment to attend the Dermatology unit.

My first visit was to have my right ear examined as I had two areas of concern. The first area was on the rim of my ear at the top on the cartilage which was diagnosed as abrasion / pressure on the cartilage and was given an ointment to use daily until the area returned to normal. This area, was at the time, causing pain and some sleepless nights due to continual throbbing. The second area was a small spot on the lobe of my ear which was causing me no problem whatsoever except for spots of blood appearing on my  pillow at irregular intervals. This was diagnosed as much more serious and the spot and surrounding area would have to removed by minor surgery where a small part of my ear lobe would be removed. During this first visit the doctor and nursing staff were friendly, caring, informative and totally professional and I was made to feel at ease with the treatment prescribed and my now upcoming procedure of having a piece of my ear removed.

My second visit was to have the surgery on my ear and again I arrived on the date and time appropriated for my procedure. I was invited into the surgery by the surgeon and instantly put at ease where the surgeon just asked me a few questions to ensure that she had the correct patient. She - the surgeon - introduced me to the nurse who was assisting her and again ran me through what was about to take place. I was invited to ask any questions before being asked to sign consent to have the procedure undertaken. The nurse assisted me in taking up a position on the small bed (I was fully clothed) and the procedure began with having a local injection into my ear lobe and after a short interval when the surgeon was satisfied that I could feel nothing at all on the lobe area the affected are was cut away. I felt nothing at all during and after the surgery and later in the day there was a slight soreness as the initial injections wore off but a paracetamol sorted that out. Once again all the staff on this unit that I came in contact with were courteous, caring, professional and absolutely superb. If I ever have to go again to that department I will have absolutely no qualms whatsoever.