"Breast Surgeon and Parking"

I was treated by radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer following chemo. The Radiotherapy required 3 'booster' treatments at the end of 15 standard treatments to the tumour bed. Apparently my breast consultant decided not to use recommended practice and is the only one who does not insert 'markers/seeds' into the tumour bed during the lumpectomy. Because of this my planning took so much longer than it should have done, tied up the planning unit and required a doctor to come and advise the Radiographers where to place the tattoo for the boosters. Why can one person be allowed to unilaterally decide they do not want to place markers into the patient? Was my booster treatment therefore given in the correct place? Perhaps time will tell if the consultant has played God with my life!

Parking - On large clinic days it is impossible to get parked in the main car park and creates unnecessary anxiety when having treatment. The car park could be enlarged by taking away grassy areas to make say a dozen more spaces.

Suggest it is made clear to patients that the schedule given at the first planning session is very subject to change. When the patient checks-in they need to look on the screen to see if their LA indicated on their schedule is the same as on the screen or you get missing patients.

Apart from the above my treatment was of a high standard, the staff were polite and considerate. There was only one Radiographer who could improve their manner and inspire more confidence in the patient. Regards,