"Top-class cancer care"

I found a lump in my neck in April & my G.P. referred me. I was seen initially in a week with further tests shortly after and a diagnosis of throat cancer in mid-May.

The evaluation, investigation and preliminary treatments were carried out without delay with full consultation and explanation of what was required and why. Everyone was very caring and gave me plenty of their time.

I started treatment in late June and again everything was well scheduled to minimise trips to the hospital. All staff in the chemo and radiotherapy departments were very professional and caring.

Throughout the entire process every member of my care team, from consultant through to receptionists have been excellent - keeping me fully informed and involved and never stinting on the time they seem willing to give to make sure that the process (which is unpleasant) was as bearable as possible.

I had no idea how many different departments have to be co-ordinated to ensure an efficient pathway through the process. The list includes : consultant, oncology doctor, Macmillan nurses, dietician, dentist, CT scan , PET scan, gastronomy feeding tube surgeon and nurse team, chemotherapy nurses, radiotherapists, speech therapist, audiology and probably one or two I have overlooked. Despite the complexity, everything worked extremely well.

Cleaning is organised in-house and I was very impressed. When I stayed in overnight, there were cleaners wiping down surfaces in the ward every few hours and in the departments I visited the standards of cleanliness were very high. In main corridors there seemed to be staff always on duty keeping on top of public areas. Very different to other hospitals I have visited with contract cleaning.

I will be having follow-up appointments monthly with the consultant & team to start with and, all being well, that will reduce but I will be monitored for 5 years which is comforting.

In short I cannot imagine how my care could have been any better in the private sector.

Anyone finding themselves in my position can feel confident that Torbay Hospital will give them the best care and chance of survival.