Alex Kingston praises 'incredible' cancer care

Actress Alex Kingston has thanked two NHS clinicians for the "warm, sensitive and incredible care" she received during treatment for womb cancer.

The former Doctor Who star praised the care she received at Oxford University Hospitals, and in particular from consultants Dr Christina Pappa and Dr Sally Trent.

She made the comments during BBC Radio 5 Live's special day of programming marking World Cancer Day on Wednesday.

Kingston told a special edition of the You, Me and the Big C podcast she was "just in awe of all the medics that I met" during her cancer treatment.

"Everybody was incredibly warm and sensitive," she said.

"I was fully aware of the journey I was going to go on and assured there would be support the entire way."

The actress, who played a fictional doctor in the American TV drama ER, particularly highlighted the support she received from Dr Pappa and Dr Trent - both of whom were secretly invited to the 5 Live programme to surprise her.

"For me, 100% my surgeon, Dr Christina Pappa, and my oncologist, Dr Sally Trent — they're great," Kingston explained.

She explained that Dr Pappa had a "wonderful bedside manner" and was "amazingly sympathetic", while Dr Trent was "very different, quite held at first, but she listens, she's supportive, and I like her enormously".

Once she realised both consultants were virtually present during the chat, Kingston added: "You are my team. You've just been amazing."

Responding to the praise, Dr Trent - who is based at the Churchill Hospital - said Kingston had been a "real inspiration" to the team of clinicians that cared for her.

"Everyone loved watching you on Strictly and all that you were able to achieve. It's been fantastic to work with you along this route," she said.

Dr Pappa, who works at the John Radcliffe, explained that Kingston had been a "great example of why we must all listen to our bodies".

"If something doesn't feel right, speak to a healthcare professional."

Kingston added: "People worry about wasting doctors' time, but something small might end up being something really quite major. It's always worth checking."

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