"Professional caring and hardworking team"

I strongly feel the need to comment on the wonderful treatment I have recently received from the NHS.

I have just had a nephrectomy (kidney removal) and cannot believe the high standard of treatment and care I have received all the way through.

I was first diagnosed in Hairmyres Hospital by a young lady doctor, Dr Mushtaq, who treated me at night and asked me to come back the next day for a scan. She quickly picked up that I had mass on the left kidney and immediately referred me to a clinic in Monklands where I was to be transferred by ambulance that day. As it happened a clinic was being held in Hairmyres that day I was able to attend that half an hour later.

I was told by Dr Neil Mantra the situation I was faced with I. e. the probable removal of my left kidney. Of course I was in shock but was treated with the utmost kindness and hope.

I was referred to Mr Ans Khan in Monklands, who is a renowned urology specialist and very highly thought of.

However, in the interim I had a painful night attending both Monklands and Hairmyres Hospital. This may have speeded up my operation date as a doctor on call in Monklands (who had attended my case meeting) was contacted by a nurse in Hairmyres and he emailed Mr Khan informing him of my situation. When I met Mr Ans Khan he very clearly and precisely informed myself and my family of the exact procedures and all scenarios which may follow. I was then prepared for everything. He and his secretary were at this time available for my questions and worries and were more than happy to answer any questions I had. I was also allocated a nurse Lorraine.

When admitted to Monklands the treatment there surpassed all I could have imagined. From pre opp where I was relieved of one of my biggest worries by Dr McKee who confirmed, after an ultrasound, that my operation was able to go ahead. Nursing assistant Margaret was very kind and supportive preparing me for the operation. Margaret cleaning assistant also kind.

I received special care and attention from Mr Ans Khan and all his team before the operation. Then to the operation and the anaesthetists (Dr Emile and Dr Francois). What a team Mr Khan has. Dr. Emile very gently and carefully told me what was happening in a soft caring voice while Dr. Francois attended to important equipment. Jennifer the theatre nurse was easing my mind and talking about the procedure and anything else. I was more than prepared for the operation. This was 4 wks from first visit to Hairmyres.

After the operation I began my recovery in High Dependancy Ward 5.

Again what a team of dedicated caring nurses, nursing assistants, doctors anaesthetists and physiotherapists. They all work such long hours and still managed to make me feel safe and so well looked after. I had total trust in them all. My assigned nurses were Ann and Andrea who ensured I was comfortable and pain free and had a wonderful caring friendly manner. They eased my fears and brought me back to normality. Other specific nurses I remember at that time were Janet, Kelly and Louise. Physiotherapists Gavin, Andrew and Laura professionally and gently encouraged me back on my feet.

I was then transferred back to Ward 6 where Margaret, Jaqueline, Deborah Collette, Ashley and Rachel again along with all the other nurses and assistants cared for me and encouraged me gently to independence.

Visiting consultants Dr. Dimitri, Dr Islam and Ms Reid attended while I was in Ward 6. Again what a team. Ms Reid ( a lovely caring professional lady) informed me of my operation. When I was complimenting herself and Mr Khan and all the team she said ‘We love our job We can cure people’.

This professional caring, hardworking team have to be commended. What skill and knowledge and dedication they all have.

They made me well and for this I am eternally grateful.

Names of team

Mr Ans Khan, Mr Rehan Khan, Ms Reid, Dr Emile, Dr Francois Taljard

Theatre nurse Jennifer.

Ward 5 Janet, Andrea, Ann, Kelly,

Louise, Lynsy, Mairie, Pauline, Violeta, Gillian, Jackie, Claire, Alison, Amy,

Ward 6 Margaret, Jacqueline, May, Deborah, Claire, Margaret, Catriona, Paula, Pat, and Emma. Apologies for any not mentioned I am grateful to all