I am writing this to express my admiration and gratitude towards Deena Paul, the Matron at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at Hammersmith Hospital. I have been a patient of Deena for almost five years, during which time she has been instrumental in my treatment and recovery from a condition called ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura), an autoimmune disease that was exceptionally aggressive in my case.

When I was diagnosed with ITP, I was bleeding and had spotted blood blisters all over my mouth, and on my body. I was in Sri Lanka before I arrived back in the UK. I met Deena at Hammersmith Hospital and she took over my care.

Deena is an exceptional nurse and specialist nurse in haematology. She has an excellent knowledge of her field and is always up to date with the latest treatments and research. She has shown tremendous empathy towards me throughout my treatment, which has made me feel safe and well cared for. Her attention to detail is impressive, and she has always been thorough in her assessments and treatment plans. Working with Dr Nicola Cooper and the rest of the team, Deena ensured that I received the highest standard of care and support even during testing times to work towards stability and recovery.

During my treatment, I have had multiple therapies, combination therapies, and various medications. Despite carrying on with steroid treatments and immunosuppressants in parallel given in Sri Lanka, my body had eaten up platelets. After my arrival in the UK, Deena was patient and persistent, and after months of trying, we finally arrived at a combination that is working. I am eternally grateful for the care and empathy I received from Deena during this time.

My platelet count has dropped to zero, and I have had multiple Immunoglobulin Transfusions before I met with Deena. Despite these setbacks, with Deena’s attention to detail, and care my condition improved. I would not have survived without Deena given how hard the condition was as well as the mental toll on me.

I am certain that Deena has been instrumental in the recovery of many other patients under her care.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Deena for her exceptional care and expertise, which have helped me immensely during my treatment. She is a credit to her profession and a shining example of what healthcare professionals should aspire to be.