I would like to express my gratitude to the whole team at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I was with my care after having major surgery.
I have been experiencing problems with recurring bladder cancer over the last 6 years. During this time I was treated at my local Trust but in August this year I was referred to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital to see Mr (Shyam) Matanhelia, Consultant Urologist, for consideration for neo-bladder surgery using the surgical robot; a treatment that is not available at my local Trust.
From the very first appointment with Mr Matanhelia to the date of my operation, I cannot believe the speed and efficiency of the whole process. To be told during my very first appointment that I could have the life-saving operation took away all the stress and worry of six long years in an instant. I felt a weight had been lifted off my shoulders for the first time since this horrendous journey started.
Mr Matanhelia, explained everything in minute detail. The surgery involved the removal of my bladder as well as my prostate and lymph nodes, and a new bladder would be created using sections of my bowel. The surgery would be carried out robotically.
On the same day I also met the urology specialist nurse, who went into further detail and fully explained what was going to happen. I also had a pre-operative assessment which reinforced my view as to how efficient and organised the Trust is run.
A few weeks later I met Caroline (Aherne) from the Enhanced Recovery Team. What an amazing person to meet. She really helped me and again explained everything in detail. I feel that this was so beneficial to my recovery and well-being. I was so impressed with how she explained everything to me. I feel that was a vital part of my journey and that without Caroline I would have struggled with my recovery.
On the day of my operation, I could not believe how quick the whole process was from check-in to the actual operation. My wife and I were so happy that we were not left waiting for hours.
Once the operation was complete, I was sent to the Critical Care ward. I was so impressed how all the staff looked after me. I spent 5 days on that ward and what I witnessed was NHS staff working their socks off. They are a credit to the NHS. A special mention must go to Eric (Pescador), one of the nurses. He took my care to another level and I was simply amazed at his level of enthusiasm and commitment to his job which made a huge difference to my stay.
As you can imagine I couldn't do much for the first few days and had to have a bed bath each day. I'm only 43 years of age and was worried about this, but the staff put my mind at ease and it was completed with dignity.
Once I moved onto Ward C22, the Urology ward I was put in a side room which was very comfortable and had beautiful views from my window. I was so relaxed. I was visited often by Caroline from Enhanced Recovery Team who made sure that I was looked after and was as comfortable as possible. The whole team on that ward were absolutely brilliant, from the Ward Manager to the tea and coffee ladies!
Another day Mr Matanhelia, who was on his way home (brief case and jacket on) popped in just to see if I was ok. He explained that he was off the next day and just wanted to make sure I was settled and pain free. This was not part of his rounds, just a kind caring consultant. I was highly impressed.
I would like to thank Mr Matanhelia and his team for finally putting an end to my long horrendous journey. He has transformed my life around, not just for me but for my close family too. I was 37 years old when I first developed bladder cancer, a very rare occurrence in someone of that age. Now I don't have the worry of cancer and my bladder being a ticking time bomb.
Having the surgery robotically has meant I have not been left with a huge scar, which is another bonus. My life has not just been transformed physically, but mentally too. I no longer have that worry of the cancer spreading, no more worries that one day I might not wake up to my family. My little girl aged 8 is so happy knowing her Daddy is going to be there every day! My elder daughter is over the moon and is no longer constantly worrying. The whole team at your wonderful Trust has changed my life and restored my faith in the NHS.
What I have experienced and witnessed at East Lancashire Hospitals is the NHS at its finest. Your staff are highly trained but most of all, caring, compassionate and always, without fail, put the patient first.