"Hip problem"

When I was 11, in 1966, I suffered with a severe abscess of the hip that was removed at Ashford (Middx.) Hospital.

I have, over the past few years suffered a degradation in performance and condition of the hip. I had previously attended a consultation at St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, and was appalled by what I felt was their dangerously cavalier and uncaring approach. Consequently, I asked my GP for a second opinion and I chose West Middlesex Hospital.

What a difference! With a hip replacement in mind, this time the consultants arranged a blood test, a bone scan and displayed an excellent cautious thoroughness, as well as explaining the pros and cons of the surgery. It was made clear that my young age would be a problem in relation to artificial hip joint life (10-15 years), and so I agreed with the consultant that surgery be left until the final impossible time. However, the consultant arranged that I return in six months for an x-ray in order to monitor my condition.

I left the hospital fully informed and satisfied that I had made the correct decision to postpone the surgery. Very satisfied.

My one criticism is that customers are required to wear the appallingly degrading gowns and sit in the waiting room wearing them. It is possible to sit in the changing booth, but patients still have to walk through the waiting room wearing them. This is more a general NHS problem. I think that these degrading gowns should have been scrapped long ago.