"Breast Care Centre, Theatre and Ward 24"

My sincere thanks to everyone involved in my treatment for breast cancer. You are the NHS at its best.

Everyone I met was skilled, caring, professional and understanding. You treated me as an individual, remembering previous conversations and I never once felt rushed; despite your long and busy working hours.

Time was taken to ensure I, and the people who accompanied me, understood what was happening and we all felt fortunate to have joined your team for my treatment. Not that anyone wants to be a patient but I hope you understand what I mean!

The organisation of my treatment was seamless from initial consultation, to scans, and then chemotherapy treatment at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. All the time I was kept informed of my progress and the transition between departments and hospitals was brilliant. Towards the end of chemo I returned to the Breast Care Centre to meet back with my consultant and my surgery was arranged, followed by my pre-assessment appointment.

I was then admitted to Ward 24 and everyone on the ward was welcoming and very supportive. They took really good care of me. Here I met my consultant and members of their team as well as the anaesthetist, all of whom gave me their undivided attention. I met a student nurse during pre-assessment who had asked to observe my surgery and they came down to theatre with me, and was one of the first people I saw when I came round in recovery. Thank you for providing your students with the opportunity to experience a patient's journey and gain a real understanding. I wish them all the best with their studies.

The staff in the operating theatre and recovery continued the high standard and kept my spirits up despite my nerves. As a patient I slept through all your hard work and skill; but thank you. I still remember our conversation as I drifted off to sleep about baking the perfect carrot cake!

My surgery has been a success and I have to thank my consultant for their brilliance as a consultant surgeon but also their kindness as a person. Hearing the word 'cancer' is bad enough and you had to explain terrifying and complicated situations but you ensured I understood everything and supported me in maintaining my determination to fight the cancer. I trusted your expertise. This was reinforced by my Breast Care Nurse who ensured all my questions were answered and was a valuable point of contact but also someone who thankfully shared my sense of humour! The best thing a patient, and their family/friends, can have is to feel positive and have trust and respect in their consultant, their team and colleagues; we all felt this immediately.

I appreciate that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes therefore please share this message not only with all the medical staff, but the receptionists, booking clerks, secretaries, support staff, and all those that as patient I did not meet but were crucial to my successful and seamless experience. Together you saved my life.

Thank you, Julie Farmer