"Hip replacemen - excellent surgery, good nursing,..."

I had a total hip replacement in May and spent 2 nights in Ward 8AB. The surgery and anaesthetics were excellent: I checked out my surgeon online beforehand to make sure he was experienced, and have been very pleased with the job he did! I have less muscle damage than most people seem to have, had minimal bruising and a tidy scar. Almost immediately, my pain was much reduced and my mobility was much improved. My only criticism would be of his rather brusque and discouraging manner, but other staff are much warmer and more communicative! The anaesthetist discussed my options on the morning of surgery, and I was pleased to be able to choose a spinal with sedation rather than a general. The team were friendly, chatty and reassuring as I went into surgery. I was conscious for parts of the surgery, which some people may have found disconcerting, but i was quite happy and interested, and was given more sedation swiftly when I asked for it. I had no adverse effects from the anaesthetic other than a bit of nausea, which was treated very quickly and effectively with an anti-emetic. The nursing and auxillary staff on ward 8AB were friendly, caring and professional, almost without exception. Some were really very lovely and caring. The ward was kept very clean and tidy, with staff wiping down beds and other furniture with anti-bacterial wipes and sweeping frequently. However, the food was terrible - over-cooked, limp and with only 1 portion of fresh fruit and no salad offered in 8 meals! - and I would have liked more tea! I had a problem with one member of staff on the day of my discharge, but my complaint was dealt with satisfactorily. The on-ward physio was useful: they showed me exercises to do at home and made sure I could walk with aids and climb stairs before discharge. The before- and after- care offered by CH Trust is exceptionally good. The pre-surgical 'joint school' was well-delivered and useful: they introduced us to the ward and the procedure, showed us rehab exercises, answered questions and checked occupational therapy needs. They found me a pair of suitable walking sticks and arranged for equipment services to bring a trolley etc the next day. (I already had a raised loo seat and grab rails at home). Post-op, I was visited twice by district nurses to check my incision and general health, and 5 times by the rehab team in the first 6 weeks, who checked my exercises, taught me new ones as I went on, made sure I was confident using the shower, etc. I saw a senior physiotherapist twice because I had some potential problems, and she carried out a very through assessment and showed me additional knee and hamstring exercises. I also called the phone line with questions a couple of times. I really am very impressed by this follow-up care, which seems unusual, and am certain it helped me get home from hospital sooner, and has supported my recovery well.