"Total competent care"

Anything else?

In January 2011, I was diagnosed as having Barretts Oesophagus with advanced dysplasia. Initially I was advised that an Oesophagectomy offered the only probable 100% cure. The prospect of major surgery was quite daunting but when I was introduced to my Macmillan nurse she became a valued and trusted source of expert information and offered an empathetic but professional approach to my problem which helped considerably to allay my worst fears. After various tests and analysis, in June 2011 I was informed of a split decision between the Multi-disciplinary Team as to which course of action to take following an EMR at the New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton. It was left for me to decide and I opted for the non-invasive approach and she steered me through a new treatment for Radio Frequency Ablation available at New Cross Hospital and for 19 months it appeared to be working. In January 2013 however it became obvious that for my case it had not been successful. They immediately set up a series of further tests at Leighton, North Staffs and Christie Hospitals. These appointments were mainly communicated verbally to me, which avoided delays in letter writing and postal time, thus expediting procedures which eventually led to the decision that an Oesophagectomy operation at North Staffs was necessary. She has constantly kept me informed of the outcomes at each step along the way and has made herself available for face to face meetings or communicated copiously be email and by telephone when necessary. I have total admiration for their communication and interpersonal skills coupled with her detailed knowledge of the medical procedures and post operative care requirements for this type of cancer treatment. Communication, either lack of, or inappropriate is one of the common features often experienced in the day to day hospital environment, but she excels in this vitally important ability and an informed patient is a more satisfied patient who becomes better able to meet forthcoming procedures and handle post operative problems with more confidence. I am now 6 months down the line and recovering well. Sincere thanks to my Macmillan nurse for their outstanding patient care, and to all the staff involved at North Staffs and Leighton in this very complicated operation.