"first class treatment and monitoring"

About: Bideford Hospital / Pre Operative Assessment Community Services / Bladder & Bowel Care North Devon District Hospital / Cancer Services North Devon District Hospital / Urology

(as the patient),

An ultra sound scan for something unrelated showed a thickening on the back of the bladder wall. I was referred to and seen very quickly at the urology department of North Devon District Hospital. 

I had no symptoms of bladder cancer and so consider myself very fortunate that the bladder cancer was discovered and diagnosed at an early stage. 

A tumour was removed via a cystoscopy carried out under general anaesthetic followed by six weeks of chemotherapy. A further cystoscopy showed the cancer had become higher grade and more aggressive. Since then I have had a six week induction course of BCG immunotherapy treatment, after which there was no sign of recurrence, followed by a three week maintenance course of BCG treatment. I'm now awaiting a further cystoscopy before a second three week maintenance course of BCG treatment. 

Throughout this situation I cannot fault the service I've received from every member of staff at the hospital. They have kept me fully informed at every stage, and my clinical nurse specialist has always been available to answer any queries or concerns I have.

It's a great benefit that North Devon District Hospital has the facilities to treat cancer patients such as myself.The hospital is less than a half an hour drive from home, parking is easy, and I'm usually back home in just over an hour after leaving for the weekly treatments. Keeping it local takes a lot of stress out of the whole procedure, and doesn't impact too greatly on treatment days. 

I am very appreciative of the team at the hospital, and have every confidence that I will receive first class treatment and monitoring in the future.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Rhea Crighton, Lead Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Northern Services), Cancer Services (Northern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3 years ago
Rhea Crighton
Lead Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Northern Services), Cancer Services (Northern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 26/11/2021 at 10:14
Published on Care Opinion at 10:14


picture of Rhea Crighton

Hi hydrusxz66,

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such lovely feedback. I'm sorry that you have needed to access our services but I am glad that your experiences have been so positive. it is lovely to hear that you have had great support from you CNS and I hope that you continue to have positive experiences. If you have any other feedback please do let us know.

Best wishes

Rhea

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Paula Howells, Senior Medical Secretary (Northern Services), Urology Team (Northern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3 years ago
Paula Howells
Senior Medical Secretary (Northern Services), Urology Team (Northern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

I have worked in the NHS for over 35 years as a senior Medical Secretary in various specialties. I currently work in the Urology Department providing PA services to the clinical team.

Submitted on 26/11/2021 at 13:23
Published on Care Opinion at 13:23


picture of Paula Howells

Dear hydrusxz66

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to leave such positive feedback regarding the treatment you have received at NDDH. I am sorry that you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, however, very pleased that you feel you have received "first class treatment and monitoring" and I will be sure to pass this onto the team. It is always lovely when patients leave such glowing feedback, especially in these challenging times. May I take this opportunity to wish you well for your further treatment.

Kind regards

Paula

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k