"I'm overwhelmed by the care received over the last year"

My recent experiences began in July last year. I visited my optician on the Monday morning, as I was complaining of not seeing very well. I was examined, and my optician phoned Falkirk Hospital for a referral.

I was receiving treatment for a detached retina by the Tuesday. Falkirk referred me to Gartnavel Glasgow. I could not fault the treatment. Every member of staff was wonderful.

In August, I phoned my GP at my local surgery. My GP discovered I had a kidney stone. I was referred to Forth Valley, where the care was exemplary. As the stone was too big to be passed naturally, I was referred for an operation.

I had a routine scan, which unfortunately discovered a tumour in my other kidney. I had no idea I had a tumour. The treatment from then on was top notch. Everybody was exemplary.

The tumour would’ve killed me if I didn’t have the kidney stone and go for the scan.

The staff went completely out of their way to help. The ambulance staff were also great, as I live 12 miles away from my GP and 40 miles from the hospital.

I’ve since had surgery on my prostate. Because I have one kidney, it gives them easier access should something go wrong. This kind of forward thinking is fantastic.

I’m just overwhelmed by the level of care I received. I could speak for hours about their kindness. Everyone from doctors to the cleaning staff. The cleaners always asked if I was okay and if they could get me some fruit or a drink. I get emotional talking about it.

Fortunately, I’m very well now and recovering from my prostate surgery.