‘We must do everything we can to protect and preserve the NHS’ a well-known Bolton resident has urged.
Last May, former Member of Parliament and Mayor, Frank White, returned home from a “very enjoyable” trip to Greece with his wife, Eileen.
He hadn’t realised how much he was coughing and thought he was just “clearing his throat”, but Eileen pointed out that it had been persistent for weeks and that he should see the doctor.
Eventually, after much encouragement from Eileen, Mr White went to his GP at The Dunstan Partnership in Breightmet.
Mr White, 86, said: “They insisted on a precautionary X-ray with a six-week follow-up X-ray, to ensure I was clear of any chest infection.”
The GP had also given Frank a course of antibiotics that cleared his cough, and he had no other symptoms of cancer.
When he visited the Bolton One Health Centre, in the town centre, Frank said the staff were “welcoming and sympathetic to all patients”.
After two visits, he then sent to Royal Bolton Hospital for a CT scan, before being referred to Consultant Dr Webster.
“Dr Webster has a style of presentation and communication to his patients that was beyond my expectations,” said Mr White
“I was welcomed and made to feel at ease, as Dr Webster had the difficult task of explaining the findings of the X-rays and CT scan.”
Dr Webster used a drawing of the body to show Frank the “areas of concern” and discussed a detailed plan of how they would move forward.
Frank was then put on the Cancer Pathway – a patient’s journey from the initial suspicion of cancer through clinical investigations, diagnosis and treatment.
Despite the upsetting news, Mr White said Dr Webster’s “upfront honesty and pragmatism” made him feel that whatever the outcome, they would “face it as a team”.
He was introduced to the Cancer Support Nurses, who he said were a “rock of support” in his journey.
Over three months, Mr White took many trips to Royal Bolton Hospital, Wigan General, and the Heart and Lung Transplant Unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.
“All three hospitals are beacons of excellence, and the reason why we have achieved so much nationally acclaimed success in the campaign against cancer,” said Mr White.
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He also gave special thanks to consultant thoracic surgeon, Mr Ganti, at Wythenshawe Hospital.
Half of Frank’s left lung was removed by Mr Ganti through keyhole surgery, resulting in him being sent home to recover after just four days in hospital.
“Overall, my cancer journey involved more than 20 appointments, delivering services that no other country in the world offers to its citizens free at the point of need,” said Mr White
“We must do everything we can to protect and preserve this system.
“To my fellow ‘macho’ men: listen to your body, listen to your wife, and if in doubt, get checked.
“The finest health service in the world is here, ready to help you.”
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