"Since 2004 I have been treated ..."

What I liked

Since 2004 I have been treated in the Coronary Care Unit (Heart atttack); Orthopaedic Department (broken shoulder); A wide range of diagnostic and exploratory procedures and am currently in the care of the Haematology Department (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma). The standard of care throughout this period has been exceptional, with immediate access to Consultant assistance and back-up services which have been responsive and made a positive contribution to my recovery. Liason with other hospitals is good - the heart attack being folllowed by coronary bypass surgery at Harefield Hospital and the Lymphoma treatment being shared with Hammersmith Hospital.

Overall, these episodes of ill health have been greatly mitigated by the knowledge that The Hillingdon Hospital has shown itself to be a place where, certainly for this patient, an immediate response can be found.

As a general observation, admission via emergency services (3 times in my case), as possibly with all hospitals, tends to be quicker than going through other channels. Only on one occasion however was ther cause for concern at A&E, indicating a need for staff to be more aware of the neutropaenic effects of chemo therapy, causing life threatening infection and high temperature. This matter was raised appropriately with those concerned and assurances given for the future.

The 'fast track' procedures for cancer sufferers worked well and within two weeks of diagnosis treatment was being provided.

Given the anxiety usually associated with such a catalogue of events it can be said that this has been kept to an absolute minimum and there would be no hesitation in recommending the illingdon Hosoital to others.

What could be improved

The Haematolgy Day Care Unit was moved some months ago from Fleming Ward to what can only be described as a very unsatisfactory basement location. Patients have no privacy and facilities are very poor.

I, on behalf of other patients, have made representations to the Chief Executive of The Hospital Trust and to the great credit of the Adminstration. a personal reply has been received.

The Chief Executive has given assurances that immediate plans ('over the next month') are in hand to move the Unit to a new location and the outcome is eagerly awaited by both patients and staff.

Anything else?

The outcome of the Day Unit promise will be reported!