"Surgical Assessment Unit & Urology Department"

An annual checkup at the Dr on Monday, 6th February, 2017, was the first step in a very quick process. I had the usual check and when asked if I had any concerns, I said I thought I was well, except I had a niggley dull pain in the area of my left kidney. The Dr immediately looked back on my records as I had had to be treated as an emergency in 2015 for kidney stones.

They phoned the Urology department, typed a letter, and I was at the Surgical Assessment Unit by 12 o'clock.

I was scanned, examined, had blood tests and was warned it would be a long day. It certainly, was, 9 hours, but I left there feeling that I had been so fortunate to be a patient in the NHS.

I returned early the next day, was given the diagnosis of yet another kidney stone and told that I would be admitted straight away. Wednesday I went to theatre and Thursday, today, I am back home.

The staff I encountered from the most senior to the youngest, the most qualified or those just starting out on a medical career, the catering staff, the porters and the cleaners, were superb. I lacked for nothing, they even had to supply me with the basic personal care items as I had not expected to be admitted at such short notice.

Thank you, to all of you who made sure I did not become an A & E emergency again. You were sympathetic, empathetic and just got it so right!