"My recent mastectomy and reconstruction at Ninewells hospital"

Please find some feedback from my recent stay in Ninewells hospital.

I had a RH mastectomy last week at Ninewells hospital, Dundee. I was admitted the day before the surgery to ward 27 in the afternoon, where I spoke to Ms McCaskill the breast Surgeon, Mr Munnoch the plastic surgeon and Ms Conolly the anaesthetic consultant over the following few hours. Each of these doctors introduced themselves, explained the procedures they would be doing, the risks, outcomes and answered any questions myself and my husband had. They were all professional and well informed, and instilled confidence in me about what was to happen over the next few days.

I was taken into surgery the following morning and returned after the operation at approx 7pm that evening. I was in a side room in the burns unit for the rest of my time in Ninewells, started with 30 minute observations, then out to an hour and eventually to 4 hourly observations over the 5 days I have been in the unit.

Every person who walked into my room over that period treated me with empathy and respect, The nurses, health care assistants, domestic assistants and junior doctors have been amazing in the way they have cared for me.

I was absolutely dreading the whole procedure before I came into have the operation, as my route in had not been a smooth one, however the whole experience with the procedure has been amazing.

Mr Munnoch is an exceptional surgeon, his communication skills are fantastic and his commitment during my time in the hospital have been marvellous. I have seen him every day sometimes early in the morning and sometimes later in the evening. The staff in the ward have a huge amount of respect for him and what he does and he exudes great leadership. I believe that if there was a Mr Munnoch in each of the hospitals who perform this type of surgery then having a mastectomy wouldn't be the massive dread for the women who have to have it.

I am aware that the NHS gets a lot of bad press and it's very easy to write a letter to complain or moan about things that you aren't happy with, however I felt compelled to let you know how very right this experience has been for me and to say thanks to all those amazing healthcare professionals for doing the best job ever.

Thanks to Avril, the breast care nurse, Jennifer and Karen the plastics nurses, staff nurses in the burns unit, Lyndsay, Veronica, louise, Michelle, Jill, Lorraine. Gemma, Health care assistants John, Adam and Nicola and Dr McCaskill and Dr Conolly particular special thanks to Mr Munnoch.

Kindest regards