"I thank God we live in the area covered by this excellent hospital."
"Nothing is ever too much trouble for the team of people I see at UHSM. They never treat me as a pain when I go back yet again with a troublesome ulcer or toothache. They always stress that the door is open and I am treated with friendship. That has meant so much."
Fiona Kennon tells us how the attention of UHSM's staff saved her life.
"Five and a half years ago, I was sure there was something wrong with my tongue. I saw a variety of specialists and doctors, but it was not until I met Mr Patel, who I later found out is world-renowned in his field, that I was diagnosed with tongue cancer. This was a huge shock, as I did not fit the usual profile.
I was really frightened, but Mr Patel made it clear from the outset that his priority was to get rid of the tumour. He made me feel that, whatever was going to happen, I was in safe hands. It is his skill and dedication which mean I am now speaking and eating 98% as I was, but with only just over half of my tongue left.
Each June, I celebrate my daughter’s birthday with a sense of gratitude that I am still here - she was just 9 months old when this happened. It has been hard to come to terms with the random nature of it happening to me, a young non-smoking mum of 3, but recently I think I have got there. I can't thank Mr Patel and the other staff enough.