"Highest standards of care thanks to the Macmillan..."

Anything else?

It is now a year since I completed my treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the majority of which took place at Leighton Hospital in the Macmillan Unit. The size of the Macmillan unit is an important factor in its success. A cancer diagnosis engenders feelings of isolation, being lost, anonymous and fearful. Being small means the Macmillan unit has the capacity to alleviate these feelings, not least thanks to its team of highly effective staff.

The entire staff team (including ward staff, Macmillan nurse, support staff, volunteers and hypnotherapist) are not just good but exemplary in their expertise and standards of care. They are some of the most hard-working people I have had the pleasure to meet. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Their experience meant that they were so very insightful, understanding and responsive. They knew exactly what I needed, from my fearful first treatment when I almost passed out, through phlebitis, restricted veins, hair loss and the journey into recovery. I could not have asked for better care.

Politeness, friendliness, helpfulness, responsiveness and continuity of care are unlikely to show up on government performance targets or hospital budget statements but are so important, and very much in evidence at Leighton. I am very privileged and very grateful to have been cared for by all the different professionals on the Macmillan unit and want to say a huge thank you for a job done extraordinarily well.