"Initial Impression"

I have just been transferred from five years of private health treatment over to NHS for cancer treatment, which insurance company refused to fund as treatment changed - feeling extremely vulnerable! I feel the absolute need to state how impressed I was with the whole experience at Broomfield Hospital - from the caring receptionist in the Research Centre who redirected me and allayed my worries that although I was now late and in the wrong situation, she would phone ahead and explain to the correct unit, then to the gentleman volunteer who immediately scooped me up and redirected me in the main entrance - such support. Staff in the Breast Unit were confident, caring and nurturing - no stress, just people who obviously enjoyed their work caring for others. I observed vulnerable old ladies and a young girl being guided and shown such personal interactions with nurses as they were called for and brought back from tests. Although my appointment was running very late, it really didn't matter, because there was a sense of calm in the waiting area. The consultant and his team were simply wonderful - they listened and answered all my questions, allayed my fears, explained every detail of the treatment I would have and how it would be administered. To know I was going to be looked after by such a dedicated team of very professional people was absolutely wonderful. I was treated as a person, who they knew was very frightened. My dignity was observed and my family and how they were coping were all part of the discussion - again helping me come to terms with my deep rooted fears. I was escorted to the chemo unit, so as to get my bearings in the hospital - and although it was early days to be shown round, I was welcomed and again staff inspired confidence in me. I now know where the Helen Rawlinson Research Centre is sited, where to park on site for easy access for chemo and for bloods, know I will be given stickers for my car parking. I left the hospital in a very different state of mind to that which I arrived - I am now confident that treatment will be first class, done by an extremely professional team who actually want to help and do their best for their patients. I feel very fortunate to have been given the choice to have my treatment at Broomfield Hospital - it is a spotlessly clean, efficiently run hospital, where the needs of individual patients and their families are put first. But most importantly of all, the staff really care and their devotion to patients simply shines through! Thank You! I went home in a very different state of mind, ready to fight this horrible disease with a new sense of purpose and resolve to work with Broomfield's incredible team who I am confident will their very best for me!