Take comfort from our positive hospital experience

WHILE I have no desire to detract from people’s negative experiences of the Diana Princess Of Wales Hospital and indeed having had similar experiences historically, I do have empathy with those people and in addition I also agree that any ward or treatment area is only as good as those who are in charge of it.

However, in order to bring some balance to the picture and to hopefully allay potential fears that some may have I would like to share mine and my husband’s story.

About a year ago my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer and we entered a time of very regular visits to the hospital which are still ongoing. It began with him having many diagnostic tests followed by chemotherapy and subsequently radiotherapy (the latter in Cottingham).

We entered the Amethyst out-patient suite with great trepidation, even though we had been thoroughly briefed on what would happen including a visit to the suite and meeting staff, we were still very apprehensive as one hears some hair-raising tales about chemotherapy.

***SPECIAL LANDLORD OFFER***

Mayfair Estate Agents Ltd

View details

Print voucher

MAYFAIR ESTATE AGENTS
If we cannot find you a tenant within one month, we will find you one for FREE, yes FREE, you will pay no fees
Contact 01472 355553

Terms: Terms and Conditions Apply

Contact: 01472 355 553

Valid until: Wednesday, May 22 2013

The experience however became a very positive one, the unit is extremely well run and staffed by a dedicated team of hard-working professionals, all very special people who do everything they can to put you at your ease.

It is a bright and welcoming place with a wall of windows overlooking a lovely garden in which to sit when weather permits. The atmosphere is positive, friendly and even fun!

From receptionists who welcome you with a friendly greeting to dedicated volunteers serving tea, biscuits and sweets you are looked after in a way that I think is second-to-none.

These are not the only staff who are brilliant at their jobs, those who work in the clinics, which are also situated in the new area encompassing oncology, rheumatology and haematology are the same friendly and helpful types.

The consultants and their teams instil confidence in the patients and carers while the lung cancer specialist nurses become like friends, all of them are so hard-working and go the extra mile to ensure that what could be an horrendous experience is instead a well-supported and indeed a positive one!

My husband also spent more than two weeks on the oncology ward last year and the rooms are first-class, most are single en-suite and are spacious, bright and welcoming, there is also a family room with TV, books and drinks available and once again the staff are hard-working and dedicated to doing the best they possibly can for the patient and carers – it is an extremely well run ward.

The systems in place right across the board which ensure that the best treatment and care are given are excellent with copious information and access to staff provided 24/7.

Both myself and my husband have been included in the decision making processes over his treatment, I simply cannot praise the staff and systems in this area enough and would say to anyone who is on the brink of treatment that you have nothing to fear because you will be extremely well looked after.

Mr and Mrs Phil Edmonds,

Full address supplied.

More letters in Grimsby Telegraph viewpoint today and every day. E-mail your views to viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk