"A remarkable young lady"

We would like to put into words the extraordinary support we have received from the Haematology Myeloma Services at the City Hospital, Nottingham and In particular my partner's myeloma nurse Sarah. We feel that this is just very tiny part of the thank you we owe to Sarah and would therefore be very grateful if you would please ensure that the NHS is aware of the outstanding support this young lady gives to her patients.

I have wanted to write this for a long time now but could not put into words how Sarah has, so much, helped in our journey through cancer, acceptance and treatment. Her honesty, knowledge and a true understanding of the impact a diagnosis like this has on not just our lives but also our family and friends, has been remarkable. We now live every day as we did, previous to my partner’s diagnosis, and looking to the future whatever that may hold. The whole family now understand that he isn’t dying from cancer but we are all living with cancer: and that is down to Sarah, as his specialist nurse, and an extraordinary team working together.

When he was first diagnosed, many long time friends kept away because they didn’t know what to say or, were themselves terrified of seeing someone they knew very well “die of cancer”, and frightened for themselves. Unfortunately, many people of our age still see the old image of cancer and it’s effects on their nearest and dearest. But, down to Sarah’s unique holistic care of our children and grandchildren, all our outlooks on cancer have now changed. She does this by always being there to answer any questions, or find answers to our questions and those which any of the family may have - always without delay. It is difficult for anyone to understand that delays in hospital personnel replying to you or not replying at all has on how patients and carers and how they cope with cancer. Sarah always puts so much motivation into the care of her patients so there is never that awful sinking feeling when you think things are much worse than they are because no one has replied to you. Surely this alone must prevent an enormous amount of admissions just because their condition has become much worse through fear and anxiety setting in. It certainly has for us and our family to see how he is surviving, both physically and mentally through her support. This is just one aspect of the innovative care she delivers. Surely the holistic care Sarah provides must have a huge impact on all those involved and make life so much easier for all concerned be it medical staff or the patient and carers. In the case of our family and friends we have learned through Sarah’s care, there is a very different view of cancer and treatment. Sarah has also given all of us hope and not to be terrified of the word cancer. We all now have positive thinking whereas in the beginning, when my partner was first diagnosed, we were all devastated especially the grandchildren as we have always had a very close relationship with them and been very involved in helping raise them. I know the way they positively think about cancer is down to Sarah by always being there. This is why I wanted to put in plain words the impact she has had not just on us as a couple, but on our children and grandchildren and therefore future generations. I don’t think she realises, that at the end of the day the support she has given and continues to give will make life so much less stressful for everyone involved in the care and survival of this terrible disease. I am also sure this will be true of all her other patients.

Because of my partner’s health issues we attend many departments of medicine who are all extremely caring BUT none have innovative holistic care Sarah brings to her very demanding job. I know for us, if he is ill, her continuing gentle care and her support gives us the confidence to know and accept that she has herself taken advice. Also, surely as she has changed our family's perception of cancer, this has got to help in the future of the NHS both in teaching the general public how to cope without continuous admittances but also this will have an impact of the financial aspect of future care. I have recently heard my sons and one of my grandchildren giving positive help to a cancer patient. So surely her holistic care is a way to the future of NHS caring.

By always being positive, caring, truthful and most of all have an exceptional knowledge of my partner’s illness, she has made his care for our whole family and friends much easier. Her approach has convinced many we know to now have symptoms checked out, whereas previously they have been afraid to go to the doctor just in case it is cancer.

The most important thing for us is that Sarah is always there to sort out any problems. This gives the most important issue of security. I am sure you understand that anxiety through not having the support Sarah gives, is a huge reason for cancer patients to remain in bed and just give up. People are always asking how we cope we tell them it’s called Sarah and her amazing supportive team. My partner always tells folk when they say does it upset you going to clinic, NO, it’s like going to a friend’s home where everyone knows you, knows your name and is pleased to see you. Again that’s got to come from wonderful leadership and excellent communication she has created.

I still feel that this letter is inadequate to express how we really feel about Sarah and her unique way of holistic and specialised care, but hopefully will help everyone understand and know a little bit about how much Saran gives to everyone, which I am sure is the same for all patient’s under her care.

Therefore, we would like to thank the whole Haematology Department at the City Hospital from the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of our family, in saying that we have never have that hopeless, helpless feeling, and on the odd occasions we have been concerned their support through Sarah, has been incredible and immediate and to thank you for encouraging Nurses like to Sarah to be that one step in front in patient care and innovatively pushing the boundaries of holistic care.

A remarkable young lady who will forever have our gratitude.

Kind regards