I had a very bad experience on the NHS after finding a lump. Test results needed to be carried out a second time as first time wasn’t quite done properly. I felt disappointed and frightened so I mentioned that I had private healthcare, they called up Spire Harpenden Hospital and booked me in an appointment with Mr Pittam, for the very next day.
Mr Pittam was quick to send me for the relevant scans and biopsy and a few days after my first appointment, I was told that it was unfortunately cancer and that I would need a lumpectomy and four and a half weeks of radiotherapy.
Although it was a crushing diagnosis, I knew I was in safe hands. All members of staff were caring and constantly reassuring me that everything was going to be okay, I felt strangely calm.
I was lucky that from then on, Mr Pittam was very good at bringing me in for regular checks and biopsies if I needed them, he would make sure to investigate even the smallest of changes. Then two years later in 2015, it happened again and after close monitoring, a suspicious area on the scan, turned out to be cancer. I felt confident going back to Spire Harpenden Hospital for my operation, as I knew what was coming and both Mr Pittam and the nurses were again extremely reassuring, and able to answer all my questions and concerns.
I want to give a special mention to one of the nurses, Veronica Magee - she was absolutely amazing! She sat with me for a long time when I was having a wobbly moment and reassured me that I was going to get through this and that everything was going to be okay. Both myself and my husband can’t thank Veronica enough for her care and support she showed us.
After having such a positive experience at the hospital, although it was a difficult diagnosis… I had met so many amazing, supportive people along the way. I decided to apply for a job at Spire Harpenden so that I could maybe add value to an extraordinary team – I was successful and have now been here for nearly a year. Many people ask me “Why I would want to work somewhere that brings back so many painful memories?” But it never feels like this for me, I never feel anxious or have flashbacks of my time as a patient, quite the opposite: when I walk into Spire Harpenden, I feel like I am in very safe hands and around very knowledgeable, experienced people.
I continue to receive regular support classes and guidance from Mr Pittam, his nurses and the hospital. They have shown me what it is like to be given expert care and I would always recommend Spire Harpenden Hospital to family and friends, I can’t speak highly enough of them.