"Orthopaedic and Pre-Op Assessment visit 230316"

I visited a consultant today for a follow up visit following some injections in my knees.

I found them to be extremely professional and supportive when they told me that the injections had not worked and I would have to have both knees replaced.

The consultant answered all my questions patiently and I am reassured that their recommendations for my treatment are the best option for me.

As I am in a lot of pain, they were was keen to get me to a pre-op assessment as soon as possible and phoned upstairs to see if this could happen today as I was booked to go on holiday for three weeks as from tomorrow.

I was directed to the Pre-Op Assessment team, where the staff I met were again professional, very friendly and kindness itself.

Despite it being lunchtime, they called everyone they knew in the relevant department and managed to get me an appointment for tomorrow morning.

I changed my holiday plans and this now means that likely my operation will take place three weeks earlier than if the pre-op assessment had been scheduled for after my holiday.

I cannot thank the team enough for all their hard work in getting me to this point in my treatment, so far everything has happened in a timely fashion, when it was scheduled and dealt with by supportive and professional staff who really care for all their patients.

The NHS is very lucky to have these people - I only hope the Government look after them as much as these staff look after their patients - it's no more than they deserve.