"My Bowel Cancer treatment"

I write following my experiences at North Tees Hospital and the NHS in general. A visit to my GP at Norton Medical Centre in April 2014 resulted in my having an emergency Bowel Cancer operation at North Tees Hospital within 5 days. I was left with a stoma (bag) and was advised to have a 24 week Chemotherapy course. I had the chemotherapy and, last week a reversal operation (9th Feb 2015). There can be no doubt that my life has been saved by the NHS at North Tees. I will single out my GP, for my operations and the doctors. But behind these people at North Tees Hospital are fantastic teams of caring experts each one of whom has played a major role in my care. The reassuring anaesthetic teams and the operating theatre teams who I didn’t meet but obviously knew their job well. The Colorectal Nurses were really efficient, friendly and helpful. The wonderful team of Chemotherapy nurses in the Day care unit who took every step to ensure accuracy with the drugs and showed great compassion for each of their patients (and their families). The knowledgeable nurses and care staff of ward 31 who helped my speedy recovery. The efficient scanner operators who put me at my ease. The friendly, district nurses who called each day to dress my initial wound who found an infection and contacted the local emergency doctor who faxed a prescription to my local chemist to allow me to start my medication almost immediately - so efficient. The patient Physio’s who helped me start on the road to recovery and the tea ladies who bring tea and a smile. If I have missed anyone out I am truly sorry. It has been sad to see some of the ill mannered, ungrateful people that your staff have to deal with. As I recuperate at home looking forward to many healthy years, I cannot believe how much care, knowledge and hard work has gone in to getting me to this stage. The words seem insignificant in response but Thank You, Thank You all from the bottom of my heart. Phil Summers (Mr)