"In Praise of Queen Alexandra Hospital Gynae/..."

I feel it is vital that I write and congratulate the entire staff of my recent admission for surgery at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. It seems all too often we hear only negative things about the NHS but I have to report that my experience was absolutely outstanding and positive. Having been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma I was swiftly processed through a series of scans including a CT and MRI as well as a scan on my sentinel nodes in the groin area via Nuclear Medicine Dept. As one can imagine hearing one has contracted cancer is never a pleasant one but my team of surgeons were quick to offer their expertise , support and advice.I was admitted about one month after the initial diagnosis and had surgery to remove the melanoma which took place on 8th October 2014. Each and every member of staff that I encountered from the cleaning staff, the admissions staff an dmedical staff at Nuclear Medicine, the MacMillan support nurses, a member of staff at the operating theater and the anesthetist team. The nurses at the Gyanae ward were superb in supporting me once the operation had been completed. Huge thanks to the night shift and all the incredible people who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure that the wards are clean, tidy and supplied with essential items. Thanks to the catering staff who were particularly attentive and willing to provide five star service. The wheelchair porter who assisted me on my first day of CT scan when I was in shock after the procedure. The member of staff at MRI and the countless other staff whose work was visible in the form of clean laundry and well maintained beds and equipment or as receptionists in each level. I have had the privilege of living and working all over the world so can therefore offer my extreme gratitude for the high standard of service and care that I received at QA when compared to other hospitals. I must compliment all of the devoted people who work so very hard during their careers to provide everyday people like myself with fantastic care and attention when they in a particularly vulnerable state of health. Truly I applaud you all at QA. I am now at home recovering so thought it imperative to write as soon as I could of my very special time at the hospital. I shall take the time here to particularly thank the surgeon who personally visited me on the ward after my operation each morning prior to his clinics to offer his support and kindness whilst I recovered for a few days on Gyanae ward. Such personal attention was very gratefully received and a totally pleasant surprise when one considers that a surgeons schedule is extremely full in such a busy hospital. Thank you all most sincerely for all you have done for me. Best regards Angela John.