"Robotic partial nephrectomy"

Following the diagnosis of a small tumour in my left kidney which was likely (80%) to be cancerous, I was booked in for a partial nephrectomy in January 2018. Soon after arrival for surgery, I was visited by the anaesthetist and the surgeon.

Both were friendly, patient and understanding and were at pains to explain options and outline the procedures.

They were very reassuring and, refreshingly, not patronising in any way.

My operation was difficult due to the position of the tumour within the kidney but I am relieved to say that the op was successful, the tumour excised and I have subsequently learnt that the tumour was benign. I am very grateful for the skill of the surgeon in completing a difficult procedure and saving my kidney.

I was visited by the Oncology Nurse after the procedure and telephoned before my operation.

The nurse was very approachable, informative and extremely supportive. In all, the staff that I encountered during my stay have to be praised for their professionalism.

Sadly, the hospital and Clarke Ward could do with a complete refit. The spaces for patients were cramped especially as the Ward was so busy during my stay. It is a shame that separate rooms on the Ward were largely unoccupied/not used given that space in the main patient areas were stretched to capacity.

However, despite these problems the care that I received summed up what makes the NHS so worth fighting for.