"The NNUH must be one of the best hospitals in the UK"

Following a mammogram I had done about 6 weeks go it was highlighted by the NNUH Breast Imaging Department that I had ductal carcinoma in my left breast (pre full blown cancer). After my mammogram I was referred to the Breast Imaging Department and had several more mammograms, an ultra sound and a core biopsy. After diagnosis I was invited back to an appointment with the Breast Specialist Nurse, Paula Harrison who explained how we proceeded from there and told me all about the surgery I would be having - a wide local excision and the follow up care. I was given a date for my operation in late April and I also met my Consultant Miss K Zechmeister.

I had a pre-op appointment 2 weeks before my operation where I had various tests done and a pre-op assessment interview. I also had a chest x-ray.

I had my operation last week and it was such a positive experience that I want to feed this back. Without exception every member of staff I had dealings with was kind, caring and professional. I wish I could remember all their names but the departments were the SDAU (Same Day Admissions Unit), the Breast Imaging Department (Paula Harrison, the Doctor and the nurse who injected the isotope marker and the young woman who took some more mammograms) and the excellent surgical staff who looked after me before, during and after my operation. Also the staff on Cley Ward where I was after my operation were wonderful too. This included Nurse Elizabeth Wood and the young woman who brought me a very welcome tea and something to eat.

I am so grateful to all NNUH staff who I have had dealings with especially Paula Harrison and Miss K Zechmeister who kept me fully informed at every stage and made a worrying diagnosis much easier to deal with.

I know that I may still have a mountain to climb re my diagnosis but I feel so lucky to have access to a hospital which has such high calibre staff - the NNUH must be one of the best hospitals in the UK.