My journey started when I was referred to my GP for pain in my wrist which I believed was carpel tunnel syndrome.

I had an MRI Scan for a non-related issue in May 2021 which identified a non-related ‘growth’ on my thyroid. I had a referral to thyroid specialist immediately and by July 2021 I had surgery for the initial problem and one week later, thyroid surgery.

I was concerned about the time I would have to wait from my initial consultation, so I was able to seek private healthcare. As a patient in receipt of private healthcare, I received diagnosis and treatment within one month of an initial concern. Following surgery and one month of follow-up, I was referred into the NHS for further follow-up as the cancer care pathway was more robust and follow-up would be monitored more efficiently.

 I have been reviewed on a few occasions now post operatively with the cancer nurse specialist and I am confident satisfied that this will continue.

Within private healthcare, you receive the service that you pay for, literally. At first, this was good as I knew that I would receive prompt treatment. However, once I had surgery and one follow-up appointment, I felt lost; I felt that something was missing as I was waiting for ‘things’ to happen but I didn’t know what. I was expecting follow-up by a nurse or a cancer service, but this didn’t happen. Whilst I did receive information and support from my consultant, I still felt that something was missing.

I believe that there should be a more robust cancer follow-up service which is automatically provided even within private health care. I felt that I had to do the work myself to find out about follow up care and what to expect in the future.

Within Cancer services, I think that cancer follow-up care, particularly around emotional support in private health care is missing.

I would like to see a dedicated, robust cancer follow-up service within private health care.

Susan Hutchinson