"skin cancer - a good experience at City Road Hospital, Birmingham"

I was referred by my GP in September 2009 with an abnormal freckle which had changed shape, to my local hospital. (City Hospital, Birmingham)

I was seen by a specialist within two weeks and had a biopsy done. This revealed that I had a melanoma (skin cancer). Various options were discussed with me for its removal and possible treatment by skin graft. I was of course scared and confused like any other patient, and forgot to ask some questions when I saw the consultant. What really helped was that they gave me the name and phone number of their skin cancer nurse specialist, who was attached to the unit.

I contacted the nurse specialist on a number of occasions with queries, problems and she gave me a great deal of help and personal support. she was never unavailable - I could leave her a message on her ansafone and she always returned my calls.

I have since had a day case operation to remove the melanoma and had a skin graft on my face which is healing and the results from my operation show no further spread of cancer. This could have been a very frightening experience for me, but with support from the staff, particularly the nurse consultant, I have been kept informed and felt I was able to raise any issues which concerned me.