"Brilliant treatment from diagnosis, to surgery..."

The hospital has a terrible admin system while you are an outpatient waiting diagnosis. I was sent by my GP on 20th June on the two week process for suspected cancer and had my first colonoscopy appointment on 27th July. This was unable to be completed because of the tumour I had but biopsies were taken. The camera on the scope did not work so no photo was taken. I was told I needed an urgent CT scan and CT colonoscopy. I had to push to get an appointment as there were no staff at Brighton and the internal communication to arrange it was bad. The colonoscopy department had to send a request through an internal post system to the CT scan department. It took two days for that to be faxed through and by then I had been to the hospital and found the CT reception closed and referred to the x ray department. They told me my request was on the system but they could do nothing to process it and give me a date. I was then given an appointment at Haywards Heath as no one to do urgent referrals at Brighton. Once this was done the multi disciplinary team at Brighton were great. I saw a nurse on 14th August. Pre op checks done the next day. Saw my surgeon on Friday for a consultation and was admitted on Monday morning to Brighton and operated on that day. My surgeon and anaesthetist together with their team were brilliant. I was well informed and felt totally confident they would do their best for me. I was seen by the surgeon and my anaesthetist the next day to confirm what had been done and make sure I was recovering. I have seen the surgeon four times since he operated on me and was released home today four days later. I also had the most amazing care by the ward I was in after the surgery and the lead nurse was exceptional. My experience was that I had the most brilliant care I could ask for under the NHS but the admin and staffing is not right until you are to be admitted. My advice would be to anyone push to get seen and when you are you will be in good hands