"An amazing service"

From the moment I received my Pre-Op Assessment letter from NHS Fife inviting me to attend a meeting to prepare me for me for my hip joint replacement to discharge from the surgical Ward 10, I cannot fault the service I have received from everyone involved in my successful replacement surgery,

I met with Steph the Pre-Assessment Nurse in September in the Pre Assessment Suite.  Steph and her team took bloods and did other necessary checks and tests in preparation for my surgery.  I was asked to bring medication I was currently taking and Steph went through these with me and explained which ones I could take in the run up to my surgery and ones to stop taking.  After Steph had explained everything, she asked if I had any questions.  I had a short list which Steph had covered the majority of but was patient in listening to and answering my questions clearly and giving me time to write down anything I needed to.

We also had a conversation about CoVid and current guidance in place in the hospital environment.

A week later my NHS aids were delivered to my home - living room seat, raised toilet seat, shoe horn, sock aid and grabber. 

The day of admission to Ward 10 Victoria Hospital went like clockwork.  I was seen by one of the orthopaedic day shift nurses who showed me to my bed, took lots of information, blood pressure and got me settled in my bed.  

I was introduced to the consultant who did my surgery,  Mr Howard, who explained what would happen.  I also met with the lady anaethetist and her team and she explained everything clearly.  I was walked down to the anesthetic room and put on the bed where being put under general anesthetic went like clockwork.  

I was awoken in my Ward 10 bed and was given painkillers every hour and when I requested it.  I slept most of the day after my operation but I was very well looked after by the night shift and day shirt nursing team on Ward 10.  

The next day I was encouraged to get up and dressed and felt ready to do this later in the day.  The physio team came to have a chat with me and we did a few exercises together and then I had a rest.  They came back later in the afternoon and we did stair exercises together successfully.  They were very supportive as I was understandably anxious about whether I could put any weight on my operated leg but I managed and had the aid of my crutches and walking sticks.  

The surgeon and his anaesthitist colleague came and had a chat with me to see how I was doing and they said they were very happy with the way the operation went and that I could go home that day or the next.  I chose to go home the following day as I had someone who would be helping me at home that day.  They were happy about that.

The nursing team on Ward 10 could not do enough for me from the time I was admitted to the time I left during my 3 day stay.  The Orthopeadic team as a whole in VIctoria Hospital provide an amazing service and I can't praise them enough.  Thank you all.