"Admitted for tests 25/02/14 to 1/03/14 - Excellent..."

I visited an orthopaedic consultant at the hospital on Tuesday 25 February and was shocked to be told that he suspected cancer. From the moment I had my first blood test in the lab to my discharge a week later I was treated with respect and empathy. I spent my first day and a half on Ward 33 and was then transferred to Ward 34 Room 3. The nursing staff was wonderful in all cases and I and all the others on the ward received kind an considerate care - from the people who cleaned the ward and served the meals to the nurses and doctors. The food, once I moved to Ward 34 was lovely - no complaints. Usually when I am in hospital I am to ill to care about food but I did this time and looked forward to my meals. The ward was kept spotless, the floor swept and washed daily and the bathrooms cleaned regularly. Waiting for tests while one considers the possibility that they may reveal cancer is an anxious time. One morning a nurse noticed I was quiet and gave me a cuddle and a laugh. It meant a lot. I felt their concern at all times. Nothing in my treatment could have been improved and I am very grateful for the treatment I received at Darlington Memorial Hospital. And, after a week of tests and waiting I was told that I definitely did not have cancer.