Mr (Vanesh) Patel is amazing. I have had some terrible news, but he and his team have been open, honest and compassionate in explaining to me the current situation, and the way forward. He has clarified each step, asking me how it was, how I felt, and been responsive to my needs. He has been calm, positive but enquiring as to how I am coping with the situation. He has called within hours of new information being available, to keep me updated. He has arranged an endoscopy and a scan almost immediately. Everyone knows my file, is warm and personal, but professional. Cancer nurses, again knowing my file, have called to follow up. The whole team (Watford General/nursing specialists) is joined up and reassuring in the circumstances. I will not go on the internet to research information, as I have complete trust and confidence in the information I have been given (verbal and specific McMillan booklet). I only wish that all nhs patients (like me) had this level of care. Unfortunately we don’t often hear good news stories. Difficult to suggest how the service could be improved, to be honest, but I will keep mindful of this!
A patient at Watford General Hospital