Mr Richard Turner 2018-04-28 Person 5 5 0

I first met Richard on the day of being advised by the Urology Consultant that I had Prostate Cancer. He met with my wife and I and sat us down in his office he told us that he was our point of contact at the hospital for any queries or concerns we might have whilst I was receiving treatment for this condition, He provided us with his own contact information and for others when he was off duty. He also reiterated in great detail what my planned treatment process would be at this stage of my condition, reinforcing what the consultant had said. To be fair once the consultant had said Prostrate Cancer I think I switched off that was my lightning bolt moment. It was good to have the immediate follow up meeting with Richard, I had been given the bad news, now Richard was giving me some good news about how I was going to get better, to the extent he became quite assertive regarding commencing my treatment he didn't want me wasting any time at all with my medication, as in his words the sooner I start taking the tablets the sooner 'we' start tackling the cancer! Richard is very confident and knowledgeable in his specialist field, first impressions can make him appear condescending, as you get to know him this is so far away from the real Richard his main focus is his drive and determination to get his patients well again. During the meeting Richard promised to supply various pieces of literature, some soft and some hard copy sure enough it all arrived at my home as promised. He is also well connected in the hospital and has a great rapport with colleagues and he manages to 'get things done', on this particular day I needed a blood test, the Phlebotomist in the Pathology lab were passed there normal operating hours Richard managed to persuade one of the Phlebotomist to take my blood after hours he goes 'above and beyond' and seems to get others to come along with him. After commencing the medication I had some queries, I contacted Richard and sure enough he obtained the answers for me and reported back reassuring me all the time that I was getting the correct care. Richards final challenge from me was after nineteen days of medication I stated to struggle with discomfort, weakness and nausea, my wife contacted Richard at around 09:00 in the morning and Richard called back within 25 minutes advising me that there was a bed available for me in Furness General, where the Uro-onclogy team stabilised my condition and got me back on track. I believe without Richard's intervention I would have had a more difficult admission had I gone via A&E. On a personal note, thank you Richard for the support you have given me so far.