"Hip-Replacement Operation Summer 2016"

Recently I spent four days as an in-patient in Thorogood ward undergoing a hip-replacement operation - a fairly-major operation. Although now a commonplace procedure, inevitably the prospect makes you feel rather anxious; but I needn’t have worried because the care I received was excellent. All the staff I came into contact with were friendly, positive and helpful, whether nurses, care assistants, physiotherapists or porters. Nothing was too much trouble, and information about procedures and timescales was readily available; on the day of the operation doctors checked in advance that I knew what would happen and when, and they also checked back afterwards on how I felt. Once back at home a nurse made contact with me to discuss my progress. Cleanliness in my ward also seemed to be excellent, with cleaners doing the rounds quite a few times a day.

At a time when hospitals and medical staff often seem to be on the receiving end of adverse criticism it was heartening to be able to say that I have benefitted myself from outstanding nursing and well-co-ordinated care.