"The level of care was excellent"

I had a hip replacement at the Nightingale Hospital. I was very impressed by the care I received at all levels. The nurses were helpful and showed genuine care and empathy, and this was equally the case with the surgical team, the physiotherapists and the x-ray team. Everyone demonstrated genuine care and support. Even the chap who came to take my food order was affable and engaging. He enjoyed his job and felt valued.

I will need another hip replacement in the future, and based on my recent experience I have no concerns in that context. I know I will be looked after and cared for. At every level from reception, assessment, surgery and discharge, the level of care was excellent.

The one area I would comment on was the perceived speed of discharge. The person in charge was clearly keen to get me out . I asked the physio to sit in a chair because I was uncomfortable and feeling funny, and when the member of staff saw me they said - he can go home, take his (tube in hand) out. They didn't ask why I was sat there or how I felt.

The physio heard them and came over and said I wasn't ready as I hadn't walked properly, and to leave the tube thing in in case anything happened that may require intravenous something or other, but they said no, he's fine, and took it out.

I then went faint for some reason and couldn't managed to ring the bell. 4 of them immediately turned up and put me back in the bed to lie down and check my blood pressure. The nurse said - I told you he wasn't right.

The nurses and physiotherapists were very attentive and kept reassuring me while that was happening and after when my colour had returned and blood pressure improved.

As a result I was kept in overnight.

I understand the need to discharge patients, but when the member of staff saw me sitting down and just said he can go, without asking me how I felt, and the nurse and physio saying that weren't happy about it, I was anxious. I knew I was not well enough at that point. They did not seem to recognise that.

That was the only aspect that worried me. If I'd passed out on the way home I don't know what would have happened.

Other than that isolated and very short lived incident, I found the whole experience very easy and relaxed. I just won't ask to sit in my chair next time as that clearly triggered a response to get me out. That was nothing to do with the nurses or physiotherapists I hasten to add.

Again, I cannot speak highly enough about the care I received from the nurses and physiotherapists during my stay. It was palpably obvious that their concern was genuine. They were attentive and caring. They made me feel safe and cared for.

The follow-up calls were helpful and reassuring as well. I asked about my pain, bruising and swelling and had that explained.

The online physio and exercise video is helpful. My swelling and movement improved rapidly by doing that.

All in all my experience was excellent with regard to the level of care I received during my operation. The chair incident I perceive to be a blip in the system and in no way indicative of what normally happens.

Thank you.