"Cannot speak highly enough of the speed, care and attention"

Had a cough and losing weight for about 8-10 weeks which couldn't get shook off. Got appointment through a very on the ball doctors receptionist in local Dromara Surgery where a locum doctor was very on the ball and referred me initially for a chest scan and as I in passing mentioned an infrequent electric shock type pain across stomach she changed referral to see a consultant in Armagh Hospital outpatient clinic.

Having explained to the consultant some other symptoms, he red flagged me for a CT scan in Craigavon Area Hospital(CAH) which I expected to be called for some time in a few weeks or months. Got a phone call from CAH the following day asking if I could get into CAH as there had been a cancellation which I accepted.

Out Christmas shopping a day or two later with my wife and I had both missed calls from withheld nos but on getting home the angel receptionist from Dromara surgery contacted us to explain she had been contacted by CAH as they were looking for me to meet with them that day. They subsequently let me know the scan result and then admitted me for operation for bowel cancer and some shadow showing on liver. As no operation would be planned over Christmas the consultant did allow me home Christmas eve although had to be back in Christmas night as needed to be on antibiotics.

Operation took place early January and I was discharged at end of January having spent that month in Ward 3 South(CAH) being very very well cared for by nursing, doctors and consultant (Mr Manos excellent pre and post op) and his theatre staff.

Started a course of chemo Feb through to Sept in Mandeville Unit in CAH (Mr Park & Gallagher) and again all staff in this stage of my treatment I have found to be not only professional but very caring and attentive at all times (all nurses angels despite the no of needles they have jagged me with!!) All deserve medals with the constant queue I see on my treatment day which I understand is the norm for all other days.

There had been ongoing scans (CT,MRI,PET) throughout Capox treatment and despite feeling great in Sept there had been some spread of cancer to other areas requiring further treatment to manage it. So back again for more treatment which started Nov. I had been kindly allowed a break from treatment (requested by me) to have a degree of normality from isolating whilst on treatment and this course due to complete in few weeks time during May 24. 

Mandeville Unit nursing staff in CAH have continued to demonstrate a level of professionalism,  attentiveness and a very caring and accommodating approach to myself and all those within their care and I fully appreciate all that they do for me and others despite the pressures they invariably face. All the staff, from those who take weight/ blood pressures, docs and consultants reviewing bloods and suitability for treatment, lab technicians who make up the individual cocktails, and the nurses who administer them, can't be thanked enough for all they have done for me and continue to do. A very big thank you to all.

Overall from local Dromara clinic, through Armagh hospital and then to CAH I cannot speak highly enough of the speed, care and attention which I have encountered through the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and just wanted to let it be known out there that I appreciate all that has been done and continues to be done for me. Thank you all.