"Care in Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy (NHS Fife)"

I have had 3 hospital stays at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy during June 2023. Having been admitted via the Urgent Care Service and subsequently moved onto Ward 52 I was cared for by various members of staff, all of whom provided very high levels and standards of care hampered more often than not only by the lack of access to diagnostic equipment (in my case an MRI scan). I met Dr Gregory whilst on the Ward and I was immediately impressed by his openness, friendliness and informality. He explained in depth the issues I was experiencing and the next steps to be taken. He alone is the best possible advertisement for great care in the NHS.

I was recalled for a procedure in the Day Intervention Unit 2 weeks later, where my named nurse, Courtney could not have offered a higher standard of care. She simply did everything that I requested or needed with charm and sensitivity and took the time to listen to my concerns and deal with them. She and the other members of the nursing team in the Unit worked hard to keep the constant flow of patients in and out well managed. They all did this with a genuine desire to care for every one. I also met Dr John at this time, who in a similar vein to Dr Ekatah is the most charming, open and caring person. He very much put my mind at rest over any doubts I had concerning my procedure.

A week later I was called in for the final operation. On my arrival Dr Ekatah was waiting for me in the Day Surgery Unit. He further explained the whole procedure and thoroughly detailed the risks and negatives as well as the benefits. He very much, as previously made me feel more confident and relaxed about the operation. My named nurse, responsible for my care that day was Keren. I had met her a week earlier in the Day Intervention Unit where she had been helping out and she immediately recognised me. Keren is another fine example of an interested, caring nurse. She manages to juggle several tasks at once and always takes time to understand the patient's needs. She has boundless energy, operating at full steam right up until her shift ends. She represents everything that is great about the NHS and never shows any sign of discontent. She's simply first class. After Keren's shift ended my named nurse was Andy. I've yet to meet another person like Andy, who does everything with such precision and in an unruffled manner. If I had any concerns following my operation Andy, simply by his presence would have put my mind at rest. He's such an easy going yet incredibly effective nurse and sums up what great quality care is.

Every health care professional I met during my stays in June from junior nurses through to anaesthetists, theatre staff and consultants was caring, fastidious in the way they function and extremely effective in making my stay more comfortable.

The people more than any other aspect of my experiences made them acceptable. The hospital itself is very comfortable, clean as far as I can tell and well equipped. It simply has insufficient resources to deal with the heavy demand on the services. The staff very efficiently smooth out any deficiencies so that patient care, where possible doesn't suffer.

I thank all of the Fife NHS staff I encountered, and a special thank you goes to those I have named. Without every one of you I would not be as happy and well as I now am. Thank you one and all.