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"The staff that I met are worth their weight in gold."

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Clinical Oncology Victoria Hospital / Urology

(as the patient),

After being referred to Fife NHS in March 2023, with suspected Prostate Cancer by my GP, I felt in safe hands with people who cared and who had a plan for me. I quickly had an MRI scan which soon led to a biopsy in Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline. The Biopsy having shown the existence of growing cancer cells. 

In May I spoke to my consultant and we discussed the various solutions/treatment available. I opted for a Radical Robotic Prostatectomy. I spent the next weeks ensuring I was as fit and healthy as possible whilst I was on the waiting list. I was contacted by Fife NHS to confirm that I wanted to go ahead with the procedure and two weeks later I was given a date to report for surgery at Victoria Hospital. 

From the minute I entered the building until I left I felt that the level of professionalism by the staff that I met there was first rate. On the morning of the surgery I spoke to one of the Anaesthetist and to the Surgeon who explained what would happen. 

After the surgery , which takes a number of hours, I found myself in a bright and sunny ward with three other men. The staff were immediately attentive and keen to ensure that I was comfortable and that I should use the "buzzer" if I needed anything. I wasn't able to eat anything on the first day after leaving surgery but I eventually regained my appetite. The food was fine and there was a good selection on offer and the staff serving were really friendly and helpful.

Overall, my experience was very positive and I feel that those staff that I met are worth their weight in gold. They were always busy and always on the go. I think a shift as an NHS worker is hard and I would support giving them a good wage which is commensurate with the effort and professionalism that I witnessed as a user of the NHS.

As a teacher I would recommend a Gold star, as a patient I would recommend a pay rise.

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Responses

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 8 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 23/08/2023 at 16:41
Published on Care Opinion at 16:41


Dear Paul60

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of care with us. I am sorry to learn that you have been diagnosed with Prostate cancer. Waiting for a confirmation of a diagnosis must have been a very worrying time for you and and getting a cancer diagnosis confirmed must have been a shock for you. However, to read that you felt in safe hands and were well cared for throughout your hospital journey is heart warming.

It is really good to read that you found prehabilitation- being as healthy as possible before your surgery-really worthwhile and I hope it has helped with your recovery after your surgery.

I am so pleased that you found all the urology team to be caring, professional and attentive. It is a pleasure to receive such positive feedback from you and I know the team will be uplifted and delighted to learn you have received the care the whole team strive to deliver every day to all our patients.

Thank you for your support and Gold Star.

Can I take a moment to wish you a full recovery

Warm wishes

Murdina

Lead Cancer Nurse

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Response from Jane Thomson, Advanced Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist, Urology Cancer Services, NHS Fife 8 months ago
Jane Thomson
Advanced Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist, Urology Cancer Services,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 23/08/2023 at 18:13
Published on Care Opinion on 24/08/2023 at 08:17


Dear Paul60

Thank you for taking the time to post your story on care opinion regarding the care that you received during your diagnostic and treatment journey. It was so lovely to read about your experience, and that you felt supported throughout. As Urology Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist: Team leader, I was humbled to read your high praise for all the urology team care in particular the attentiveness of the staff, and professionalism of the team.

I plan to share this with the urology team who will be delighted, to read your comments

I wish you all the best

Take Care and Thank You

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Response from Susan Sung, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 54 (Urology), NHS Fife 8 months ago
Susan Sung
Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 54 (Urology),
NHS Fife
Submitted on 24/08/2023 at 08:38
Published on Care Opinion at 08:38


Dear Paul60,

Thank you for taking the time to post your lovely feedback on Care Opinion.

We are delighted that you were supported by the whole team during a very anxious time.

The ward staff will be pleased that they were able to provide much needed support, care and attention and I will pass on your comments to them.

The ward staff certainly do work very hard. They will be pleased that you have given them recognition and hold them in high regard.

Take care and best wishes in your recovery.

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Response from Jacqueline Stecka, Senior Charge Nurse, Urology DTC, NHS Fife 8 months ago
Jacqueline Stecka
Senior Charge Nurse, Urology DTC,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 28/08/2023 at 12:14
Published on Care Opinion at 12:14


Dear Paul60

Thank you for your lovely feedback and comments on your recent experiences within NHS Fife and the Urology teams.

I am very happy to hear that your experiences were positive and that you felt in safe hands throughout. I am very sorry to hear of your diagnosis and wish you well in your treatment plan.

Our aim is to be supportive, compassionate and show that our teams genuinely care, I am glad that you felt we achieved this, the staff are indeed worth their weight in gold.

I will ensure to share your comments with the Urology staff and give them your 'Gold Star'.

Best wishes to you during your recovery.

Jackie

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