Dr Jessica Bate

Written by a NHS patient at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

When our son was diagnosed with kidney cancer he was 7 years old. It was a really traumatic time for him and us as a family. Our world was completely turned upside down. When we first met Jessica who told us about his cancer diagnosis, she really took her time to explain everything in detail so that we understood his diagnosis, the next steps and answered any questions we had. She stayed with us for as long as we needed and it was evident just how much she cared and wanted to help our son to get better. Throughout his treatment Jessica kept in contact with us, informing us of next steps along the way and any updates to his treatment plan. We really felt that we were in good hands. No question was silly and her help, guidance and support was invaluable to us throughout. Jessica was amazing with our son, who as well as having cancer, has also been diagnosed with Autism, which makes coming to hospital that little but harder for him. Jessica always reassures him and takes her time to talk to him and ask him questions. He doesn’t warm to many people outside of our family, but he has to her. Our son is now in remission but still sees Jessica every 3 months for a check up, which he looks forward to. He enjoys telling her some of his stories and letting her know how he has been getting on. She also remembers their conversations from his previous clinic appointment and talks to him about those to. In his own words, “Jessica is nice, good at her job and she looks after me very well.” Thank you for everything Jessica, you really helped us through a very traumatic time.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a NHS patient at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

We are so grateful that Jessica is our son’s consultant. After his cancer diagnosis and transfer to Piam Brown, Jessica was just amazing. Our world had just been turned upside down and Jessica was so calm and reassuring which helped us so much, she clearly explained his treatment plan and the side effects to be expected so we were fully prepared and informed. We spent many months as inpatient so got to know Jessica well and she is such a lovely, caring person. I honestly don’t think we would have got through treatment without her kindness and reassurance during those difficult months. Even though our son was only four during treatment, Jessica included him in conversations - although he didn’t really understand what was going on, but it was nice that he was included and not just talked about like he wasn’t there. We have now finished treatment, so see Jessica in clinic every few months and my son always looks forward to seeing her. It is clear Jessica cares deeply about the children she treats and the rest of the family too! If I have any questions between clinic visits, Jessica is always quick to respond to me via email, which is appreciated. An absolute credit to Southampton Hospital and the NHS!

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a NHS patient at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Jessica, is an outstanding consultant. Unfortunately our daughter got cancer twice.The chemo damaged her bones giving her AVN & she had numerous other issues. Jessica & her team supported us at all times. Giving advice & explaining treatment & comforting the family. We were away from home throughout the treatment. Jessica & her team became our family. We can not thank them all enough for their endless support. Thankfully our daughter has been in remission over a year now. We still have to fly over for scanning & seeing Jessica regularly. She continues to support us now.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Jessica is our daughter's Consultant and we have absolutely nothing but praise for her and her team. Having a child with cancer is every parents' worst nightmare but I can honestly say that Jessica has always treated us with complete understanding and empathy, remaining calm and offering much needed reassurance during very difficult times. During our daughter's treatment, she always explained everything with clarity so we had a thorough understanding of what was going on, and we always felt comforted that she was in very safe hands. Our daughter is now well, and absolutely thriving with a fierce independence that we credit to Jessica and her team for making such a horrible experience much easier to deal with as a family.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a NHS patient at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Jessica is an all-rounder in my opinion. She is highly knowledgeable, professional, empathetic and caring. She cares about what she does and about the patients she is taking care of. She takes the time to explain things, listens and takes on board any worries or concerns I have, and is always friendly which puts me at ease and allows me to have the confidence to ask any questions without feeling silly. I have full trust in her.

Recommend

Trust

Listening