"I was diagnosed with bi-lateral ..."

What I liked

I was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast and bowel cancer last year and have had 4 operations, October 2008, December 2008, April, 2009 and June, 2009. Throughout the this time, the consultants and doctors in both the colorectal department and breast unit were extremely caring and supportive. They kept me well informed, explaining all procedures in detail.

Because of the complexity of my situation, the colorectal and breast teams liaised together, listened to how I wanted treatment to proceed and made every effort to accommodate my wishes, providing my life wasn't in danger.

I was assigned a colorectal and breast nurse ande was able to contact them at anytime. They were always helpful and supportive to all my concerns.

Before operations I was visited by consul;tants and anetheastist. They understood y anxieties, put my mid at rest and helped me to relax as much as possible.

I found the hospital to be spotlessly clean and the attention to cleanliness by all nursing staff on Damson Ward exceptional. Despite being very overworked, the majority of nurses were always friendly, understanding and caring. I was visited by teams of doctors on a daily basis and felt well cared for at all times.

I have had contact with a number of different departments for xrays, scans and tests. I found all staff I came in contact with administrative, technicians, doctors and nurses throughout the hospital, friendly, helpful and co-operative.

I am one hundered percent satisfied with the treatment I received and continue to receive at Barnet Hospital and continually recommkend you to anyone needing hospital treatment, and present counter arguments to anyone making negative comments.

I would like to thank everyone I came into contact with throough this difficult time of my life.

HILARY LEWIS

What could be improved

There needs to be an increase in nursing staff. In the wards the nursing staff, work extremely hard and very long hours. At times, I have seen them working double shifts from early morning to late evening. Sometimes, when there is an emergency or new admission, other patients are unable to access a nurse for a period of time.

In the breast unit, the specialist nurses have been reduced from three last October to one. She is expected to do the same work as the three nurses, which is impossible. Although she tries her utmost to accommodate everyone, patient care will ultimately suffer.

Some Agency nurses used to cover night shifts, do not always show the same care and attention as day staff.