"Continuity of care with known faces"

I have a brain tumour. I have been attending for high dose radiotherapy. the service I have received has been fabulous from the very beginning. I also have a cardiac disorder, blood clotting disorder and lupus with severe uv and internal light photosensitivity. Surgery is not possible due to being too high risk.

We travel about 1 to 1.5 hours , parking is always a concern at busy hospitals but the western has a system in place for the cancer centre and the staff were so good every time making sure we were easily parked,  

Booking in was quick and efficient, the staff used their time very efficiently and if there was any gaps available they made sure a patient was taken early. They made sure the lights were dimmed in the treatment room for me to be able to remove protective garments without my skin burning, I took in personal music to help relax during treatment , staff introduced themselves and there was continuity of care with known faces. There was no feeling of urgency to get up and off the table and help was always available . 

The waiting area was quiet, originally there has been a cafe type unit there which has closed, however, the patients coming in daily are so tired and feeling unwell that the quiet atmosphere without the bustle is actually nice.

There were small groups of patients meeting up daily , assuming similar treatments and men in particular providing support and recognition for each other at their *usual spot*. A particularly important aspect of men's mental health.

Midway through treatment planned access to consultant review, future planning & current well being.

Within an emergency evacuation, staff were professional & reassuring.

A slight improvement could be, perhaps the provision of extra toilets as the treatments have certain side effects resulting in patients needing immediate access.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff members involved for their care & attention during my treatment at the Western General Hospital.