"Total hip replacement at Musgrove Park Hospital"

I was put on the waiting list for a total left hip replacement - I waited 22 months, 11 days before I had my surgery.

I think that the communication between the hospital and those waiting needs a huge overhaul. As someone who has had 10 surgeries prior to this one, I have never had such a poor experience. Yes, Covid played a huge role in this, but the system simply isn’t good enough.

BUT I want to talk about my experience in hospital as well. From the moment I stopped into surgical admissions that morning till I was discharged, I felt well cared for, despite the huge strain staff were under, being so short staffed. My pain was fully managed the whole time, I felt listened to and included in my care.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Hestercombe Ward and in particular a HCA on the ward, I believe her name was Helen, she cared for me how you would want any of your loved ones to be cared for and despite being run off her feet she always had a smile on her face.

Also, a huge thank you to Mr Stevenson and all of his team on that day, and the anaesthetic team for putting me at ease and making the spinal a breeze.

In my opinion, Musgrove is a great hospital being let down by underfunding undoubtedly, but does need to work on communication with patients who are waiting in these very challenging times.