"I was referred by my GP to the ..."

What I liked

I was referred by my GP to the rapid chest pain clinic as he believed (correctly) that I had angina. I was very impressed with the efficient way the various tests were rried out and particularly appreciated the way the nurse specialist co-ordinated what I was doing and explained all the stages to me. They also then showed the results to the consultant and explained that I would have a difficulty in getting to Cheltenham for the recommended angiagram, not having anyone locally able to help me with transport and aftercare. They immediately agreed to refer me to the Heart Hospital in London (part of the UCH group where I have received teatment for cancer, and very close to where my immediate family live). I have since had follow-up care with the cardiac rehab team - the advice, courses and exercise sessions they run are excellent; the professional involved are helpful, reassuring, and easy to talk with when needing advice; the admin systems seem very efficient and all the writing joined-up, with good communications back to my GP. The NHS at its best! Am very grateful and consider myself lucky to receive such first rate care.

What could be improved

Nothing I can think of, except perhaps some way of easing the jolt of initially finding I was the only woman on a course; but that seems just to have been bad luck; have met several others since with similar condition (and also unfortunately some much more serious, which is salutory and makes one realise one's own luck)

Anything else?

I had learnt in the past what a good raft of support is available for people with breast cancer. Had not realised there were also such good systems in place for those people with cardiac conditions. Yet again, grateful for the NHS. Particularly come to realise what an important, valuable role the specialist nurses play. Much gratitude to them for their efficiency, wisdom, kindness and encouragement.