"I could not wished for better"

I was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in March 2015 and received shared care from the LRI and the RNOH in Stanmore in London.

My chemotherapy was administered as an in-patient from late April to late August 2015 primarily on ward 39 but twice on ward 40. My surgery was carried out at the RNOH in October and I finally got home in late November.

Both wards 39 and 40 delivered my treatment with care and diligence. There were odd issues from time to time that arose but we were able to work them out without any drama and my concerns were always dealt with in a professional manner whilst retaining compassion for my situation.

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff on both of these wards. Although it was clear that they were understaffed at times, their ever brilliant attitude to their work and their patients was always evident and their obvious stresses never impacted on their patients.

My only qualm with my stays in the LRI was with the food. Although edible, it wasn't pleasant and when undergoing chemotherapy, even favourite foods become unpleasant so to start from such a low base line was not good. When I transferred to the RNOH, they had an almost identical menu as the LRI however, the quality of the food and the enjoyability factor was like night and day. It became clear to me that the catering services at the LRI were woefully inadequate. I ended up eating jam on toast which the nurses made for me on more than one occasion because the meals at LRI were so poor.

My issues with the food should in no way reflect on the staff of the wards and my treatment from everybody there. From the cleaners right through to the consultants my care was exemplary.

I'm now three months clear of cancer and it is in no small part thanks to the oncology department of the LRI.