"Excellent"

To all staff who were in any way involved. Today I was discharged after having a full left knee replacement on Tuesday 23rd. June. I have already filled in a simple feedback form on ward 206 but I feel there is much more that needs to be said and hopefully passed on to the departments concerned. Firstly I must congratulate everyone in no doubt, a myriad of departments for combining to make what could have been a harrowing experience almost a pleasure. Only the inevitable discomfort prevented it being actually pleasureable, but in fairness I was warned well in advance that there would be pain. Starting with the Enhanced Recovery Lesson, both my wife, who would later be my carer, and myself found this session to be highly informative, very well organised and a chance to meet some of the key personnel who would be so important later. I had been told it would be a waste of my time, but it was no such thing. Next my Pre-op. Again despite the seemingly huge numbers involved on the day, I was processed through seamlessly with a rare minimum of waiting. Here I was able to meet my surgeon and my anaesthetist who talked me through the operation and my options so that I was in no doubt what I would be letting myself in for. I came away with a projected up to four week wait, which was actually three weeks. Always nice to get in earlier than expected. First indications had suggested a late July or early August op date so this was a further bonus. The operation day. I arrived at 6-55 to find the corridor outside the ward crowded with patients and carers. Paperwork was handed in and minutes later I was mistakenly informed that I was last on the list and would need to go to the waiting room. This was quickly corrected to the surgeon's first customer of the day. Things moved very fast and efficiently from then on and by 8-30 I was wheeled into theatre for spinal anaesthetic then the op itself. I must have slept for an hour of the op as I missed 19 musical numbers on my iPod when I was told they were nearly finished. Apart from smelling a bit of burning fat and feeling a few bumps it was from my point of view a doddle. Recovery and then to Ward 206 followed and at every stage the staff could not have made me feel more relaxed and at ease. This welcoming, caring bedside manner was to follow me through the next few days. On the ward I can't think of much that could improve on what I experienced. Perhaps I should single out the Physio team, all students performing at a level well beyond what I expected at their experience level. Their success was undoubtedly cascaded down from the more senior members on the ward, all of whom were very professional and made you feel that they really cared about your welfare. Nothing seemed too much trouble. "It's what we are paid for" said my night nurse who in particular was one who seemed always prepared to go that extra mile if it improved your stay