"Excellent Dermatology Surgery"

My GP referred me to Leicester Royal Infirmary's Dermatology department to be seen within two weeks for a squamous type of skin cancer.

I was promptly given a date within this urgent timescale, which I was able to amend slightly in order to visit on the same day as a routine appointment in another department on the same day to save travel time.

I was seen on time for the initial hospital appointment and the skin cancer was confirmed.

I was told it would be removed within four weeks,

The urgent appointment for the surgery was provided in less than three weeks.

The appointments staff were most helpful and considerate on the occasions I needed to contact them.

My next appointment was at 4 p.m. on Monday, 14th December, and I was called into the treatment room at 4.05 p.m.

Before I signed the consent form, the surgeon explained how he proposed to carry out the awkward procedure, which was on the bridge of the nose, under local anaesthetic.

They inspired confidence from the start.

They told me what they were doing as the procedure progressed and answered my occasional questions.

They forewarned me of a very short spell of pain, after which I felt no pain or discomfort at all throughout the procedure, which took about 20 minutes.

The type of dressing used allowed me to wear my glasses.

A specialist nurse worked well with the surgeon and contributed to the efficiency of the procedure.

I was told I should remove the dressing after 48 hours, which I did very carefully.

To my relief, no bleeding occurred, but I noticed there was a secondary thinner dressing.

I had been given a phone number if I needed help, which I used to get advice about this further dressing.

I was advised to soak it in warm water before removing it, which I did very slowly and gently,

The thin gauze dressing came away progressively from the wound and there was no bleeding.

This allowed air to help the wound to heal.

I was impressed with the efficient and helpful way in which I was treated at all stages.

I have already received my follow-up appointment in January 2016.

Thank you LRI Dermatology Department!!