"Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer"

My mother was admitted for a whipple procedure to remove a tumour in the bile duct/pancreas on New Years Eve 2015, following diagnosis at Treliske in late October.

Through a very stressful time, Mum (and I, as her supporter) received incredible care and support from the specialist oncology nurse assigned to us in the lead up to the operation, through some complications pre-operation, throughout Mum's stay in Wolf Ward, and until the post-op appointment some weeks later at which she was pronounced fit enough to commence chemotherapy at Treliske.

The major operation was performed by Derriford's expert Hepatobiliary team, for whom our family has nothing but the highest praise.

The consultant rang us as soon as the 8 hour operation had finished and we were allowed in after hours to the high dependency unit to see Mum as she came round after the operation.

That Mum is with us, fit and well after such a diagnosis and major operation, one (very well lived) year later is testament to the skills of the Hepatobilliary team and the care she received.

It was clear from the week she spent post-op in Wolf Ward that the nursing staff are incredibly hard working but that they were short staffed and the behaviour of some patients and visitors made the lives of the nursing staff harder than they needed to be.

It would have been quieter if the buzzers alerted the staff but not the ward, and if the drinks and meals could be served in small portions for those unable to cope with a full plate/weight of a full mug.

These are minor in comparison to the first class medical care.

Derriford's Hepatobilliary team - nurses, consultants, doctors, the anaesthetists and all those involved in the pre-op processes and in the operating theatre deserve their high reputation as a centre of excellence.

Thank you.