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"Lack of understanding and empathy"

About: Outpatients Department / Orthopaedic ESP University Hospital Hairmyres / Elective Orthopaedics (Ward 7)

(as a service user),

I recently had a hip replacement and returned for my consultant appointment just over 2 weeks after my operation.

Having been treated with excellent care in ward 7 following my operation, I unfortunately did not receive the same level of care, understanding or empathy when I attended clinic. I was in hospital for longer than usual as I had some medical issues and not once was I asked how I was nor did they allude to the fact that I had been unwell. Their opening words were, to let them see my knee (when it was my hip).

They then proceeded to tell me all the things that I couldn’t do, repeating himself many times. Did not ask me about my pain levels, my range of movement, my muscle power or my functional abilities. Only one of my questions got a definitive answer, the others were either ignored, or being told what I couldn’t do with my hip. I found the whole consultation very unhelpful and negative. My daughter had accompanied me into the room and she too was very unimpressed with the attitude and lack of care, empathy and understanding.

I have been discharged and am doing well but except for the fact that he performed the operation I have not felt supported or listened to by my consultant. 

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Responses

Response from Tracey Lamb, NHS Lanarkshire 2 days ago
Tracey Lamb
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 04/05/2025 at 22:05
Published on Care Opinion on 06/05/2025 at 07:54


Thank you for sharing your experience on Care Opinion.

I am sorry to hear that you had some medical issues following your hip replacement, which required a longer than expected stay. However I am pleased that you are continuing to recover well at home. I am delighted to hear that you had excellent care on Ward 7 whilst recovering from your hip replacement and will pass that on to the Ward 7 Team.

I am disappointed however to read about your clinic experience at your post op review. It is important that you have the opportunity during your consultation both to ask questions and to receive appropriate, useful and personalised responses. As I am sure you are aware, there are some precautions which we are required to discuss with you at all points of your hip replacement journey, however it also important to balance this with the positive aspects of recovery. This should all be undertaken with care, understanding, empathy and compassion.

We appreciate the time you have taken to provide feedback. I have added my contact details below and would be happy to discuss this in more detail should you wish to do so.

Best Wishes

Tracey Lamb

01355 585447

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