"Well organised and warm reception from all staff"

I accompanied my 15 year old daughter to Altnagelvin Area Hospital recently, approximately 4 weeks after discovering a breast lump. We were promptly seen and referred by Western Rural Healthcare GP for assessment, and received an invite letter by post within a week to attend. 

From arrival in the breast clinic in Altnagelvin we encountered a well organised and warm reception from all staff. The clinical areas were clean and comfortable. We were shown to a changing bay, followed by clinical assessment with a specialist nurse, Frances, who respectfully and skilfully carried out the initial examination and reviewed the clinical history, she put both myself and my daughter at ease and explained the further checks to be carried out.

We then saw a radiologist who carried out an ultrasound scan, who had his findings verified by a Consultant radiologist, both these practitioners demonstrated exceptional clinical operational and communication skills, and during this period in the scanning room we were accompanied by a nurse who offered reassurance.

We waited a short time before returning to Frances for review, and a final opinion on management was discussed with Consultant Breast Surgeon Dr Diggin, who demonstrated a supreme level of kindness, and empathy in explaining my daughter’s diagnosis, and shared decision making steps for the future.