"Extremely happy and satisfied"

In 2018, I began my second medical journey under the supervision of the staff at Stepping Hill.  My previous contact had been following a heart attack in 2010.  After my 2 week stay, I wrote to the CEO at that time, to both sincerely thank and to congratulate him on the quality of treatment I had received.  I had intended to write to express my thanks when my current journey came to an end.  However, due to a few developments and complications, it has continued.  Anyhow, here goes.  I feel my gratitude is somewhat overdue.

Last year, a simple case of dehydration led to a fairly serious couple of urinary tract infections.  I was referred by my GP to the Urology department at Stepping Hill.  My treatment was undertaken by Dr. Collins and his team. The net result was a swift operation to remove a (fortunately) benign tumour.  The fact that the tumour was identified in the first instance, is testimony to the level of detailed investigation, that the team pursued on my behalf.  I feel tremendously lucky to have experienced the dedication of a highly professional team of medics.

At every step of my involvement with the team from Urology, I had the best treatment and care that could possibly be available.  The communication was first class, keeping me fully informed and aware of ‘next steps’ at every stage.

My operation and short stay (4 days) in hospital was met with surgery and aftercare of the highest quality.  Various teams were directed towards my situation (Urology, Cardiology and Haematology) - each one dealing with me efficiently, professionally and in a very personable manner.  Many thanks to the ward staff, the ward-round staff and every member of the various back-up staff, from volunteers and cleaning staff to consultants. 

My journey has continued under the guidance of Dr. Dukka’s haematology team.  Her determination to get to the cause of an obviously extremely complicated issue has been relentless.  She has referred me to numerous departments and even to another hospital to seek out the most incredible trail of treatment, designed to get to the bottom of some unusual blood and bone marrow results.  Her dealings with me have been of the highest standard - I have felt privileged to be in her care. Once again, her back-up team has reached the most commendable levels of operation.  I could not have wished for any better treatment along the way.

Unfortunately for me, one thing led to another and getting to the end of one stage, has then developed into yet another medical issue.  Thus, my hip was now deemed to be in need of attention and yet another adventure began, this time with the orthopaedic department.   

Enter the wonderful Mr. Ghalayini and his brilliant team.  From our first consultation, I was filled with tremendous confidence. The explanations I received were excellent.  In spite of an embarrassing error due to a confusion about medication (for which, I was totally at fault) and a postponed operation, Mr. Ghalayini treated me with the utmost care, understanding and attention to detail.  Once again, every member of staff, who dealt with me in connection with my hip replacement offered me the best possible treatment that I could have hoped for both pre- and post-op.  The theatre team were a ‘class act’. The staff of M4 were delightful - thorough, efficient, encouraging and good-humoured.  They made a very positive impact on my recovery.  I have been home now for 2 days and continue my rehabilitation.

Whatever treatment I have been given by the staff of Stepping Hill, it has continuously been of the highest quality.  I can only commend every single member of staff, at every level, who has helped me along the journey of my adventure with the NHS.

Having considered all those involved in my medical rehabilitation, I would also like to add my thanks to those connected with cleaning services and food. The environment provided for my recovery was kept extremely clean by a group of people, who were very accommodating and very mindful of patient needs.  The food provided was delicious and wholesome, and served up in a most cheerful manner.

So please pass on my sincere thanks and my congratulations to the various groups of staff. Please pass on my thanks to each of the departments, through both the named staff and those, too numerous to mention.  

You should be proud of the people working at the frontline - they are tremendous ambassadors for Stepping Hill and for the National Health Service.

An extremely happy and satisfied patient of Stepping Hill.