"NHS - NOT Mission Impossible: 2"

Total Hip Replacement operation.

In March I submitted to Patient Opinion under the heading NHS - NOT Mission Impossible my reaction to the excellent service I had received in the early stages leading towards a Total Hip Replacement operation.

My final comment was "I therefore could not be happier with the service I have received from both The Villages Medical Centre and Royal Surrey County Hospital, and look forward to more of the same when it comes to my operation in due course".

I had my operation in May, exactly 15 weeks after being referred to RSCH by my GP so within the 18 week NHS Target (EXCELLENT), which demonstrates that it IS still possible, and waited until after being signed off 8 weeks later before adding these comments. (Although it is usually 6 weeks Mr Rosson, my surgeon, uses 8 weeks).

As before, everything concerning my 3 day stay in hospital for my Hip Replacement was excellent: the operation itself, care from all nursing staff from being admitted to the Elective Surgery Unit, through Anaesthetics, Recovery to Bramshott Ward Bay 8, as well as from Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, X-ray & catering staff.

As well as general nursing care attention to detail was excellent, e. g. as my eyes water a lot I had a handkerchief with me, up to the recovery stage but couldn't find it once in the ward. Soon afterwards the Staff Nurse who had monitored me in Recovery appeared with my handkerchief which she had found and she even apologised for not having been able to bring it to me sooner as she had had another patient to monitor. I thought that that was well beyond what I could have expected. My hospital stay was also helped by the sense of humour of the nursing staff in Bramshott Ward.

Although I have no memory of the operation itself due to having been under general anaesthetic I give my heartful thanks to Mr Rosson, surgeon, and his team for the excellent job that they did.

I can honestly say that throughout the 2 months from operation to sign off (and since) I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN IN MY HIP, which I would not have thought possible, but I can confirm that it is.

As with my earlier input in March I can confirm that all aspects of my hospital stay in May were characterised by Professionalism, Efficiency, Politeness & Lack of Delay.

My thanks go to all the staff involved in my operation and pre- plus post-operative care as again I could not be happier with the service/care received from everyone