"Kindness and Excellence"

My visit on 9th Jan 2017 was to meet a consultant oncologist ('CO': cancer specialist) attached to the Urology Dept. I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer 3 months earlier and have been on hormone suppressant injections since.

Our agenda was for me to perform a flow test by peeing, then get the CO to review the results. My flow rate was somewhat below the target rate of 10 ml per second, and that was a disappointment, since achieving the target could have made possible a brachytherapy, an intense form of radiation therapy.

The CO gave me a thorough explanation of the implications and further options.

I agreed to start taking a daily tablet to improve flow, with a retest after 2 or 3 months.

The enthusiasm and commitment of the CO were exceptional.

I was impressed by nearly every aspect of my visit. Finding a parking space in Car Park B was a marathon, but what else is new? I found Clinical Urology easily, thanks to directions by a volunteer at the Information Desk. Mapping was mediocre but signage good. You know when you are in the Pink Zone ! My reception and attention from the staff in the

clinic were business-like and sympathetic. Everyone so obviously cared!

Waiting 40 minutes at Pharmacy was no fun but the excellence of the person explaining my tablets more than made up for that.

All in all, a most satifying and reassuring experience.