"Treatment for Breast Cancer"

I have been having treatment from GWH for the last 10 months for breast cancer and cannot fault the care I have received from the breast care centre, oncologists, breast surgeons and breast care nurses. They have shown understanding, empathy and compassion in their care.

I felt included in all aspects of decision making about my care and was given sufficient information to help me understand and come to terms with my diagnosis. The staff in day therapy were friendly and knowledgeable and I felt safe and cared for whilst receiving chemotherapy.

When I was admitted with complications of chemotherapy, I had excellent care from the staff and doctors on LAMU. The only issue I have is with the need to go to ED for assessment if the hospital is full. On one occaission I waited 2 hours in the waiting room of ED when I had phoned the helpline because I had a high temperature. During that time I was not seen by anyone other than the receptionist who booked me in. This made the experience extremely stressful and made me less likely to want to phone for advice or come in if I was unwell.

I would like to suggest that it would be helpful to have a specific room either on Dove or LAMU where patients requiring assessment for complications of chemotherapy could go. I think this would help them to feel safer and more likely to phone for advice and/or come in for assessment.