"Thanks to all inc' fab nursing care team, drs, operating team"

After an abnormal smear I got a diagnosis of cervical cancer this was out of the blue and the support during diagnosis and pre op from nurse specialist Gillian and Gynae consultant at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) Paisley was invaluable. They always called me back and offered answers to all my questions and provided reassurance when I needed it.

I was then  admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary 2 months later for a radical hysterectomy with node dissection. I was scared and feeling vulnerable as I have cared for people for years as a LD nurse, support worker and phlebotomist but never been the patient .

The surgeon Dr Burton was excellent, very  professional, kind and reassuring . The staff on ward 56 gynae are marvellous, the work they do is beyond words. What they do day in day out  not forgetting the wonderful Nightshift team  seems effortless to them . They all work as a team and made me feel valued , listened to and cared for. They are an excellent teaching hospital with eager students in all areas of the hospital involved in my care .

I had a rough week after my operation due to several things but they were there to support me and ensured my dignity at all times . Some people are natural carers and this team is full of them. Smiling, making you laugh and giving you hope . Whatever we literally threw at them they dealt with it. At a time when I felt vulnerable and needed  to put my  trust in others they came up trump's.

I was given time to recover at my own pace and stayed an extra few days which allowed me to build up my  strength. Thanks to all including fab nursing care team, drs, operating team especially the anaesthetist and guy who chatted to me about rugby to calm my nerves, surgeon, cleaners, physio, cup of tea providers  and nurse specialist Nicola .