"I felt I was being treated like an individual, like a special person"

I recently went into the new orthopaedic hospital in Kirkcaldy for a TKR. To say I was scared was an understatement. My first experience of this type of surgery had been anything but simple beginning to end, and I am still unable to use the leg properly and without pain. So I was very tense, and prepared to run if necessary, but due to the efficiency, the caring, the time given by all the staff that morning, I felt I was being treated like an individual, like a special person.

They were so kind and supportive, even the anaesthetist whose job it was to keep me immobile while inserting an epidural made me feel comfortable. There always seemed to be someone by my side so I never felt I was experiencing anything alone.

So I'd like to give a big thank you to the staff who were there for me at 7am that morning. Made me feel the NHS is still for the people. 

I'd like to thank the after surgery staff too for their care. They were very busy with new patients, it seemed, every few minutes. But each of them had a smile and a word of encouragement. 

In addition a big thank you too for the staff in the Bay. Always finding that extra bit of time for me despite having their own work to do. And they do it with a smile!! Nothing phases them!! Sorry I can't recall names, too much painkiller I think! Shame we have to be up and about too quickly to learn their names. 

Thank you too to Mrs Mitchell, my surgeon. Hope not to be limping or in pain next time. 

And thank you to the man in burgundy. No idea who or why, but thought him very organised, informative, in control and very amusing! Several giggles behind my hand when he was around. Again maybe the painkillers!! 

Hope to never return, but if I should ever have to, I won't be in flight mode. 

Thank you all again.