You may well have seen her work but you may not recognise her.  Effie Bond, from Swindon, is a copywriter for top national building society Nationwide, where she helps to create many of the leaflets, posters and publications you will see in branches and in publications.

Effie was experiencing abdominal pain when she went to her GP, who sent her for a scan. The scan revealed a cyst, which needed to be removed through a laparoscopy – a form of keyhole surgery that sees small cuts made in the abdomen. A surgeon can then use a camera to view any cysts and can then remove them.

She said: “Following my scan the pandemic hit and it was understandable that I would face a longer waiting list. I was delighted when, in July, I received a call saying that my NHS treatment could go ahead more quickly if I elected to have it with the gynaecology team at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Devizes.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Effie was delighted at her decision. She was seen in October 2020 and her treatment was a great success.

She said: “Everyone was lovely. I didn’t feel like just a number. The centre feels nothing like a hospital – it’s personal care all the way. I felt slightly nauseous after the general anaesthetic and everyone was there to help in a kind and cheerful way. They even walked out to the car with me when it was time to leave.

“I was so touched by everyone’s kindness that I came back the next week with cakes to say thank you for the terrific care.”

General manager Lisa Self said: “We are all delighted that Effie was so happy. No one looks forward to hospital treatment – there is always a level of anxiety. What our patients tell us is they like the centre’s small scale and sizeable specialist experience.  This means we can offer the warm welcome of a local service with many of the skills and facilities usually associated with much larger general hospitals. Our patients know they can relax, surrounded by friendly faces with exceptional clinical skills.”

To learn more about the NHS and self-pay services available at Devizes Surgical Centre visit www.devizessurgicalcentre.co.uk/ or call 0333 321 0943.