"Excellent care, compassionate staff"

Anything else?

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is numbing. Two years ago my brother was treated for the disease and I was advised to get a check-up. It was clear then, but this year a blood test revealed a higher that normal Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level. As soon as the test results were known I was given an appointment with the consultant and went on to have further diagnostic tests. Unfortunately, the results were positive for prostate cancer. I could not fault the speed and professionalism of the urology nurses and my consultant in helping me through that worrying diagnosis and deciding the best treatment for me going forward. I had my operation in May and have been really impressed with my care right from the start. I was told every step of the way what would happen, what to expect afterwards and how to make the best recovery. The consultant came and saw me first thing in the morning and said how well the operation had gone and the nursing staff were professional, helpful and attentive. I was discharged home one day after the operation. The aftercare at home was outstanding. The Darent Valley surgical bridging team nurses came to my home and they were brilliant. They helped me through the difficult and disorientating early days of recovery from the surgery and the anaesthetic, which should not to be underestimated! They were there when needed, answered all of my concerns and told me what to look out for, what to monitor and what to do if there were any complications e.g. a blocked catheter. Thanks to the Urology and Surgical Bridging teams at Darent Valley I am making a good recovery and keeping positive about the future. A special thank you to the nurses for making me feel like I was the only patient they had.