"The care I have had is a credit to the NHS"

In March 2023 I was admitted to Nottingham University Hospitals, City Hospital. Within 24 hours I was diagnosed with blood cancer and began chemotherapy 4 days later. My treatment continued for 5 months as an inpatient on Fletcher Ward, with brief periods at home in-between each cycle.

This has been an extremely difficult time for me and my family, but the care and treatment I've received has been excellent.

From day 1, the medical team have been kind, compassionate, and honest, taking the time to help me understand my illness and treatment. I continue to see my consultant and her colleagues in haematology outpatients, where the same level of respect and patience continues as I navigate my recovery journey.

Throughout my time as an inpatient, the nursing and support staff have been exceptional, supporting me and my family through the darkest times, and smiling with me during happier moments. They've acted with tremendous professionalism, reacting swiftly and calmly when I've become unwell, treating me with dignity and respect at times when I was unable to care for myself. Even when short staffed, they remained calm and responsive.

A cancer diagnosis is a terrifying and confusing experience, having a huge impact not only on me, but on my family. The treatment itself was at times extremely challenging, and there were moments I thought I couldn't go on. But with the support of staff, including two leukaemia clinical nurse specialists, I completed my treatment, forever indebted to those who took the time to sit at my bedside, providing emotional support. 

I was also referred to the clinical psychologist and complementary therapist, both of whom spent time with me, helping me make sense of my diagnosis.

As a long term inpatient, the catering and domestic staff were a welcome and friendly face each day. It's surprisingly heartwarming when someone remembers how you take your tea without having to ask. Similarly, the porters who ferried me around the hospital were largely friendly, helpful and respectful.

As an outpatient, I continue to feel supported and encouraged by the haematology team, both in outpatients and the daycase unit. The phlebotomy staff in haematology outpatients are friendly and kind, seemingly undaunted by the packed waiting room. Doctors and nurses who treated me as an inpatient always ask how I'm doing if they see me, and my nurse specialists have been so patient and supportive, answering my many questions and helping where they can.

I have nothing but praise for the care I've received from the whole haematology team. Our lives have been turned upside down, but we've been treated with dignity, respect, and kindness throughout, making this challenging time more bearable, and for that I'm eternally grateful.