"Arrived unsure, left elated with a new hip and..."

On my arrival 0630am I was greeted with a welcoming smile and reassurance.

I was very pleased to find myself in a ward with just three men awaiting hip or knee replacement.

This for me was my first overnight stay in an hospital in 77 years, I was so put at ease by all members of staff I felt totally relaxed at all times.

Whatever time at day or night there was always some staff member on hand, nothing was too much trouble, a cup of tea in the small hours, or just reassurance, there was always somebody there.

I was most surprised because all my life I had read reports of staff with unsmiling faces and the impression that patients were an inconvenience.

Certainly not in Barlborough NHS.

My operation was what I had hoped for, reassured by the anesthetist, and the surgeon,

an epidural and tucking into toast and tea half an hour after the operation is not what I imagined possible, but that is what happened.

The Physiotherapy staff were so helpful, discussed all aspects of my recovery in detail.

explained each stage I would be going through. and the literature I was given has proved totally comprehensive and covered all my needs.

The food was excellent, I expected to lose weight, I put a couple of pounds on in my 2 days.

The receptionist, whom I chatted to whilst waiting for a post op x ray had time for me and gave that all important reassurance again. The wheelchair operative wasn't left out either and chatted all the way to x ray.

When I was discharged I was pleased to be going but I would have had no problem if I been told I required to stay longer.

Thank you for giving me my life back.