"Total Hip Replacement. Trinity Surgical Ward. ..."

Anything else?

My recent experience at Mount Vernon Hospital has far exceeded my expectations!

My journey started with a Pre Assessment appointment. It lasted an hour or so and I found my nurse, to be genuinely friendly, caring and interested in me. She was able to answer any questions I had and made me feel at ease.

The next step was to attend Joint School and it was well worth attending, don't miss this step!! I arrived taking my husband with me as he was going to be my coach. There were other 'would be' patients attending, some having knee replacement surgery. We were given a general talk followed by a presentation by an Anaesthetist covering the different anaesthetics which were available to choose for surgery and also discussed pain relief.

We next had a talk by a Physiotherapist who discussed what we shouldn't do post op and how to dress our lower body. We were given crutches to take home and were had the chance to practise using the stairs.

The Occupational Therapist spoke to everyone personally and organised equipment for my home.

During the morning there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and all the staff were very helpful, understanding and patient.

My stay on Trinity Ward from the moment I arrived to the moment I was discharge was exemplary.

I found the Dr's and Nursing staff to be genuinely caring, professional and happy to look after the patients, nothing seemed to be too much trouble. A big thank you to my nurse who went out of her way to help me.

Even the House keeping staff were very friendly and always brought my 'cuppa' with a smile.

The Hospital was extremely clean and tidy and even the lovely cleaner lady was very conscientious and friendly.

A big thank you to my Consultant Surgeon and his surgical team for a job well done.

All the staff at Mount Vernon are a credit to the NHS and it's a breath of fresh air to find such great team work. Well done and a big thank you.

Improvements:

After being discharged, two days later I unfortunately experienced some internal bleeding and extreme pain. As there is no A&E at Mount Vernon my only option was to call an ambulance and be taken to A&E at Watford General and not return to Mount Vernon where my notes and care had just taken place. I feel its a definite missing link to get back there if there is a problem!!

Personally I found the quality of the cooked food at Mount Vernon pretty dire! From the portion size to the quality of the ingredients. Quite honestly it's the only thing thats lets your hospital down.

Thank you once again.

Mrs K Southam