"Outstandingly good service, which exceeded my..."

What I liked

The initial consultation was done very quickly and thoroughly, and my need for a knee replacement (at age 71) was assessed and carefully explained. It was always clear that the operation would be performed within the 18 week window and this was acceptable; the bookings system took account of booked holidays etc. In the event I had a cancellation and had surgery within 8 weeks, with the pre-operative assessment and the very helpful "knee class" fitted in within a few days. I felt very well-informed about the procedure. Staff in Oken Ward were unfailingly professional, helpful and cheerful. The anaesthetist explained the processes and choices, and respected my choice for a general anaesthetic rather than an epidural. On waking I was immediately told that when they opened up my knee they decided that I needed a total, rather than partial, knee replacement - an eventuality that I had been warned about and had agreed to. Immediate reassurance that it had gone well was very helpful. In the next two days the care was outstanding, with surgical, nursing, physio, catering and cleaning staff working as a professional and well-coordinated team (cleanliness was outstanding, and a vast improvement on my last operation at Warwick, four years ago). All the staff seemed to really love their jobs. The procedure for discharge was well thought out and on the second day I was released home under the care of the SWATT team. This system is excellent, and the first home visit that I have had so far was most helpful. With physio classes and further reviews to come, I feel entirely confident of a good recovery.

What could be improved

Very little. There was a little confusion when I checked in as my name was not apparent on the list for the day, but they soon found the supplementary list where it appeared. And there was a special genius in the waste bins in the toilets being foot-only-operated - in an orthopaedic ward!

Anything else?

The hospital/trust has clearly put a lot of thought into the whole procedure for joint replacements, and the "joined-up thinking" is very apparent. The SWATT team works very well, and has allowed the process to be streamlined and efficient; with a very short hospital stay, but there was no sense of rush or impatience to clear the bed space. An outstanding example to follow.