"Professional and compassionate staff"

I have been on a surgical list for some time to have a knee replacement. I had elected to go to St, Michaels Hospital at Hayle some 15 miles away. I chose St Michael's as they had performed the same procedure on my other knee some 7 years ago and I was much impressed by the treatment, staff and general atmosphere in the hospital in general and the ward I was in, in particular.

I received a  phone call in June asking if I could attend the following morning for the procedure which I agreed to. I was welcomed at the hospital by cheerful staff and quickly directed to St Michaels ward and again received by cheerful staff.  It was noted by them that I hadn't brought a dressing gown or slippers; when I explained I had only been told the day before and hadn't therefore got any joining institution's they were kindness itself providing relevant substitutes.

I was soon seen by Mr Devicar, my surgeon, who went through the agreed on procedure telling me again it would be done using an epidural rather than general anesthetic. I was more than a little concerned with this as I have had a number other interventions on my upper spine and the epidural scared me. When I met the anaesthetist he saw on my face my concern and after a short explanation by me and a quick examination he promptly changed the plan and gave me a general anaesthetic and the procedure went ahead.

I came out of the g/a after lunch and was attended to by a caring happy staff who chatted and were friendly. I was seen by two different physios who again had time and consideration for me. I was released that day.

I would like to thank the various members of staff for their kindness and understanding and the slick, efficient , professional and compassionate way in which they all performed what to them must be an everyday procedure but to me was more than a little major.

THANK YOU.