"Total knee replacement"

Anything else?

I was admitted to HGH on Dec 10, 2012, for a total knee replacement. During the whole process, from initial consultation, through pre-op procedures to the operation itself, post-op care abnd physiotherapy, I was treated with all the competence, care, dignity and courtesy I would expect. This applies to all the staff I met from all departments: consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, auxilliaries, etc. I was impressed that all of these appeared to work as an effective team, communicating with and respecting each other: there was no sign of any medical hierarchy, everyone's expertise was recognised.

Following my surgery I had two minor incidents - a leaking would, and a confusion over the date of a physiotherapy session, and in both cases I was dealt with humanely, courteously and effieciently by the staff involved. The ward staff were always welcoming if I turned up post-operatively without an appointment; they would arrange for the appropriate specialist to come as soon as possible, and would make me comfortable with a quiet chair, a cup of tea or even a full meal while I waited.

The only negative point I would make is that I saw evidence of some medical staff (not associated with the orthopaedic department) being extremely stressed, and I hope that does not mean that economies are forcing them to work harder than is appropriate.

I will end by saying that, like everyone, I have read with horror some of the terrible stories of patient suffering in the NHS. I can honestly say that my experience of Hexham General is the extreme opposite of that. Keep up the good work!