"Burns Unit / Ward 27, Mastectomy and reconstruction"

Four weeks ago I was admitted to Ward 27 prior to my surgery for a right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I had been in this ward two weeks previously for a node biopsy and it was lovely to see familiar nurses, it was also nice to know that some of the nurses I had previously met were likely to be on duty when I returned from my surgery to the burns unit. The night prior to surgery I met with Ms Hogg, and many other doctors, (apologies I cannot recall all your names) who were all professional, caring and excellent at calming me for such a big op.

I went to surgery around 8. 30 and returned to the Burns Unit around 9. 30p. m ish (I think) I had a lovely nurse with me the whole night and had regular checks to ensure my tissue was surviving for the remainder of my stay, it was very reassuring to hear that all was fine every couple of hours, a big relief.

There are no words to express how grateful I am to the doctors and nursing staff within the Burns Unit The quality of their care is above and beyond. Nothing was too much to ask. I have a bad back problem and obviously with the length of surgery and type of operation, I was almost in tears with my back. The nurses on duty constantly checked on me during my most difficult back pain and did not stop until they had it under control, that I cannot thank them enough for. In the morning I was in tears, by lunchtime sitting up eating my lunch!

As for my surgery itself, I cannot say I have had much pain from the surgery sites (I had diep reconstruction) Ms Hogg is an excellent surgeon and always put me at ease, her dedication is clear to see. I was also pleased I had the same anaesthetist for my node biopsy as for my main surgery, which again I felt reassured, he was lovely, and the young doctor who gave me my final pathology results, thank you for being so professional (again I cannot remember your name).

This is a very difficult experience for any woman to go through but the care received from start to where I am at the moment I could not have asked for better. Thank you so much to all the nurses and staff on the Burns Unit, Jackie, Donna, Amanda, Denise, Jo, Issy, Claire to name but a few, please pass on my gratitude to them all. To Jen and Karen for putting up with my anxiety and to Susan for showing me the art of massage.

If anyone is facing going into NInewells for such a procedure, I cannot emphasise highly enough the excellent standard of care you will receive on this unit. Thank you.