"Breast cancer treatment at the Western General"

I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer about 14 months ago, and from the first moment felt in safe and professional hands. A wonderfully calm and caring ultrasound doctor, Dr Smith, told me the lump we could see was indeed a tumour and then said it was her and her colleagues' job to make me better.

The whole staff at the Western could not have been more fantastic as I went through chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and herceptin treatment. I finished just before Christmas and the treatment has as far as we know been successful. I'm immensely grateful especially for the wonderful care in Ward 1 where the nurses were just so sensitive and supportive, both of me and my family, as I went through the mental and physical trials of chemo and herceptin.

In the 23 sessions I had, the nurses were always upbeat and patient, even when rushed off their feet as they so often were. Lorna was particularly special. Thank you, Lorna. I had the feeling the ward was very well run and morale seemed high despite the pressures.

I also heard a nurse give a brilliant apology to someone when there was a mix up about their appointment and she was totally upfront about the mistake and did everything to make the person understand why it had happened.

I've always believed in the NHS and am more thankful than I can ever say for the care I received. I know it's people doing their job but the way they do it makes all the difference in the world. Thanks to Patient Opinion too for creating the opportunity for me to say thank you.