"It was a pleasure to be treated there"

What I liked

Having just got home from having a knee replacement operation, I feel compelled to report that all is well with our hospital. All the worries that undoubtedly exist are not shown by the magnificent staff at West Cumberland Hospital.

From the friendly efficiency of the reception, introducing you to the new pain-management regime, through the professional but bantering operating team under the consultant, to the ward staff on Kirkstone Ward, I couldn’t have been better looked after.

Angels? You can see how they got their name – from the newest qualified, to that of 31-year service, and in particular, two live wires, they were, without exception, angels. Nothing was too much trouble; nothing phased them, and I saw no example of supposed dissatisfaction with their lot. I have no doubt that they exist but these people are far too professional and caring to let it show.

We, as patients, and they as staff, quickly became friends, on first-name terms, and this put you at your ease, and made something traumatic to us patients, into something that it was actually a pleasure to go through.

Whilst there, we were visited by the head of personnel services, who covered WCH and Carlisle, and we were able to tell him exactly how good his whole team was at WCH.

I would love to name individuals and their various kindnesses, but you only have the one page for letters to the Editor!

Suffice to say that I would have no fear of being treated in my local hospital in future. If these consummate professionals can operate this well under the concerns and constraints they currently have to endure, think how well they’ll react to a brand-new facility.

What could be improved

Up to date facilities to work with