"Surgical assessment unit - superb treatment and..."

My 16 year old son, who has learning difficulties, was referred to the surgical assessment unit by our GP after he was complaining of pain in his groin and side.

He really needs an operation to remove an undescended testicle but, due to his phobia of medical procedures, in two planned operations we have never got him past the pre-med stage.

Staff had been pre-warned that he becomes very stressed in hospitals (it took me 2 hours to persuade him to go to the hospital today to be treated as he was scared he would have to have a scan) and from arrival my son was treated with considerable care, compassion and understanding.

The doctor and student doctor who attended to him were hugely supportive, kind and gentle and obtained as much information from him as possible without upsetting him.

With their gentle approach he began to relax.

The consultant urologist who also attended was equally considerate and supportive and again my son relaxed further and even began to respond to questions himself rather than requiring my input.

We received very practical advice for future treatment and I feel that should my son need further treatment here he will be much more prepared to attend hospital as the calm and supportive approach built his confidence enormously.

Many thanks to all concerned.