"Every member of staff deserves credit for the care they provided"

I reached the top of the neurosurgery waiting list for back surgery and was phoned by Danielle who was responsible for trying to arrange a date and informing me of the necessary pre-op preparations.

There were only just over 2 weeks between this call and the date for surgery and I had three calls to Danielle who every time took the time to listen to my concerns and questions and to find the answers for them. She was the first person to put me at ease and went above and beyond what I would have expected.

Fast forward two weeks and I attended the DCN (Department of Clinical Neurosciences) pre-op assessment unit. I was met by Staff Nurse Claire, who is by far one of the kindest, most caring nurses I have ever met. She spent time talking through what would happen and making sure I understood everything. I highly commend the approach being taken which Claire described as being person centred care.

Being asked what I was worried about allowed me to open up about some concerns which to some would have been completely irrational but not to Claire, in one sentence she put me at complete ease and my fears were put to bed.

Every member of staff I met during the day were brilliant, taking time to listen and answer questions. I needed to have an MRI which was arranged for the following day, the same level of care was awarded in the DCN imaging unit where I was efficiently taken through the process of MRI, a process I have been through many times before and this was by far the best MRI experience I have had.

The end result was a cancellation of surgery as it was unlikely to provide any relief from the symptoms I currently have but even this information which was a huge disappointment after living with the hope of some relief, was delivered in a caring and compassionate manner by Miss Sataite (hoping this is the correct spelling!).

Every member of staff I met deserve credit for the care they provided, at a time when we are seeing nothing but bad press about the NHS. This group of staff proved it is still, without doubt the best healthcare system in the world with the kindest and most caring staff. Thank you all, if I do need to have surgery in the future, this experience will ensure it is a less stressful prospect