"My incredible care following my double hip replacement"

It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the care I received at the NTC VHK, but I’ll give it a go, with the full force of my very full heart (and two very new hips).

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt held, supported, seen and cared for in the most extraordinary way. This wasn’t just a medical procedure, this was an experience of true kindness, skill and humanity. And I won’t forget it.

First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Mr Dunstan. What a man and what a surgeon. After 12 years of working together on my case, I knew I was in safe hands—he exudes calm, competence, care (and wit!) in equal measure. I trust him instinctively. It’s rare to feel that much reassurance before undergoing something as major as a double hip replacement, but somehow he managed to put me entirely at ease. I knew he was not only brilliant at what he does, but that he genuinely wanted the best outcome for me, and was invested in making sure I felt informed, empowered and ready.

The level of skill involved in what he and the surgical team did for me is staggering, and I am in awe of it, but equally, the way he speaks to me, the way he listens, the way he explains things without rushing…that made all the difference. He’s a truly fantastic surgeon, and I’ll be singing his praises for a very long time. I’m even more impressed by his seamstress skills…the way he worked to pattern match my tattoos is nothing short of remarkable.

I also want to say thank you to the anaesthetist and her team, who were a calm and reassuring presence in the moments before surgery. Those minutes before being wheeled into the operating theatre can feel daunting and surreal, but they had this gentle steadiness about them that made everything feel manageable. They explained everything with such clarity and kindness, and their warmth helped quiet my nerves. I genuinely felt safe in their care, so much so that we even managed a laugh or two. Their quiet confidence and compassion made all the difference.

And beyond the talented Mr Dunstan, what also struck me the most during my stay was the overwhelming kindness and care I received from the nursing team. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt so looked after. Every single nurse (Susan, Denise, Jemma, Kellie, Kerry, Lauren, Natalia, Natalie, Lauren, Lindsey, Trina, Leah, Aileen and the list goes on and on) who came to check on me, talk to me, wash me, help me up, encourage me, laugh with me, each one did it with such warmth and compassion. It wasn’t just care, it was heart. You all felt like mums and sisters to me, and that’s not something I say lightly.

You didn’t just do your jobs; you made me feel like I mattered. Like I wasn’t just another patient or another case number. Like I was someone you genuinely wanted to help feel better, and safer, and stronger. You remembered my name and even named me the bairn, which I loved! You reassured me at every single stage and made sure I was comfortable (not an easy task when one is suddenly the bionic woman), you let me buzz for you all probably a million times without ever making me feel like a burden. I never once felt like I was too much, even when I was asking to be taken to the toilet again And it’s the little things, isn’t it?

The gentle way you helped me stand for the first time post-op. The quiet moments you brought me tea, just came to check on me throughout the day, and helped reassure me when I was being sick through the night. The patience you all showed me when I was trying to shuffle across a room at a snail’s pace, and the celebration you offer like it’s a marathon finish line when I got to the toilet. The way you all worked together as a team so seamlessly, efficient, experienced, and yet still so generous and human. I was so touched by the way you treated me like one of your own.

I think what really got me was how much it felt like you cared. Not because you had to, but because you chose to. And that is a kind of magic I don’t think we talk about enough these days. Being a patient is, by its very nature, a vulnerable experience. You’re handing over control, you’re in unfamiliar surroundings, you’re often in pain and scared and tired. But the team all turned that vulnerability into something manageable. Even, dare I say it, something beautiful. I felt safe. I felt dignified. I felt human. And that is entirely down to you.

I also want to thank Rachael and the rest of the physio team and occupational therapy team as well—your encouragement and clarity helped me feel like recovery was not just possible, but actually happening, right before my eyes. Every win, every step, every shuffle forward on the frame was met with celebration and support. Your belief in my ability to improve actually gave me the belief to keep trying, even when it was hard.

In short, I feel like I struck gold. I feel so lucky to have had my surgery at NTC VHK, and I will be forever grateful for the way I was treated during my stay. It wasn’t just exceptional medical care; it was human care. It was care that made me feel respected, comforted and truly seen.

To every single person I encountered during my time there: thank you. You’ve changed my life in more ways than you know; not just physically, although that’s huge, but emotionally, mentally, spiritually. You personify all that is great about our NHS, amazing people doing good things, with enormous hearts and incredible skill.