Caring Conquest staff deserve the bonuses '“ not the bankers

Over the last 16 months I have had three stays in Gardner Ward for surgery and many out-patient visits to the breast unit. I have at all times had excellent care and been very impressed at the dedication and hard work of the staff. From the consultant to those cleaning the ward and serving the tea and coffee, nothing was too much trouble for them and they were always approachable, kind and attentive.

I saw the nurses changing the bed of an elderly, incontinent patient several times during the night without a grumble but just words of kindness and reassurance to her. I also witnessed nursing staff encouraging an elderly woman, who was refusing food, to eat a little jelly and ice cream, and then sitting by her bed and feeding her. A very different picture from the horror stories in the media about the care of the elderly in NHS hospitals.

If there are delays in the Outpatient Clinic I do not mind; I know it is because the consultant gives each patient all the time they need to ask questions and receive reassurance, advice or any necessary treatment.

It was a dark day when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but my life has been greatly brightened by all the wonderful and caring staff I have met at the Conquest. These are the people who should be receiving the celebrities’ salaries and the bankers’ bonuses!

Perhaps other readers of your newspaper, who feel the same as I do, might like to write of their experiences of the Conquest?

People are quick to criticise and it would be good to hear some positive viewpoints. I’m sure the morale of the staff could do with such a boost.

BARBARA MESSENGER

Ninfield Road

Bexhill-on-Sea