"Positivity all the way"

Anything else?

I recently had to have a hip replacement.I was very apprehensive about the procedure and really would have done anything to avoid it. However, after speaking at length to the Orthopaedic Nurse, who showed such understanding and care, I felt completely reassured and decided to go ahead with surgery. The day of the operation started a little fraught with a change of planned operation time, but once at the hospital, the nurse was there to reassure me again and saw me personally into my pre-op bed where we talked at length about recovery and procedure. I then met the anaesthetist who couldn't have been more helpful, who answered each and every one of my many questions and again reassured me all the way. I then met one of the surgeon's from the team who again was charming and helpful and reassuring. The pre-op staff were also excellent and caring. I was taken to have my anaesthetic and again every inch of the way was explained to me in such an understandable, caring way that I could do nothing but trust and put my faith in the team. Even though I had elected, for medical reasons, to have a spinal rather than a general anaesthetic, I was sufficiently sedated and was not aware of any part of the operation which was a concern of mine. When I woke up on ward B5 again the staff were quite simply amazing. Helpful, caring, understanding and everything one would want following a traumatic experience. I was determined to walk the same night and did with much help and guidance and nothing was too much trouble. At the change of shift in the morning, all the new staff were completely briefed about their patients and again, my medication and help was given with the utmost care and concern. i was visited by the physiotherapists who were excellent. Two staff members worked as a wonderful complimentary team. They helped and encouraged me to walk again and took me through my exercise programme. The doctor then visited me and again couldn't have been more helpful and explained every detail of what was happening and my progress. Every procedure was carried out with care and attention to detail and a nurse was so supportive, kind and helpful I couldn't have asked for more, and didn't.

I was sent home that night after a further visit from the physiotherapy team and an X-ray (which incidentally pre-op and post op was again delivered with the same care and understanding). I was taken through each of my medications and everything was explained fully.

I have spent time before in Private Hospitals through a healthcare scheme, and whilst I cannot fault those occasions, the experience here was such that I would always opt to return to Salford Royal. Surgeons and nurses have dozens of patients and operations to contend with and for them you are just one of many, but I genuinely felt that my treatment was specific and personal and never once did I feel any sense of just being a statistic.

I believe this stems from the top. Quite simply amazing. Thank you all.