"Great Experience"

I attended Ward 15 for a total knee replacement on the 1st August this year.

I was quite apprehensive, having never undergone major surgery before.

I had decided that a general anaesthetic was the way forward for me, mainly because I would know little about the procedure.

However, by the time I went down to theatre, having spoken to the anaesthetist, I had agreed to have the spinal block and how pleased I was to have taken that option. I was able to experience the hustle and bustle of the theatre staff as well as the noise and the whole thing passed in a blur.

At no time did I feel in any way uncomfortable or experience any pain and the real bonus – no after effect of the general anaesthetic.

The net result was a shorter recovery time and quicker rehabilitation.

Throughout the three days of my stay I was treated like royalty by the dedicated staff and was up and about the morning after surgery on a walking frame.

Before long the physios had me on crutches and shortly after that I was fit for discharge.

What a great team of nurses and doctors and whilst they all deserve a mention, I will say that both day and night staff were remarkable; cheerful, helpful, encouraging and supportive, making such a traumatic experience an entirely positive one.

Many thanks.