"I felt safe, cared for, and respected"

Grantham Hospital is fabulous. Everything you want in a hospital - calm, bright, clean, efficient, and plenty of parking. Ward 1 is excellent.

This was my second visit in 18 months and my second hip replacement. Everything went as smoothly as possible, and it was as pleasant an experience as it could have been.

The week before my operation, I went for the pre-assessment. I was a little frustrated at having to go to Grantham when I live closer to Pilgrim, but the experience was perfect. No waiting, all tests done quickly, and no queues in X-ray.

On the day of the operation, I was welcomed to the ward and shown to a four-bed room. The ward is bright, calm and clean. All the pre-checks and preparations are planned and carried out efficiently. I could walk and did so down to the operating theatre. It is quite a trek.

The staff in the theatres are excellent. The nurse who checks you in is very calming. The anaesthetists are efficient and reassuring. I didn't really see the staff in the theatre, but I'm sure they are also excellent. They certainly did a perfect operation.

After the operation, the recovery staff were really nice and chatty. The X-ray lady was lovely and caring. Having my legs moved around for the X-ray without being able to feel anything is possibly the weirdest experience ever!

Back on the ward, the nurses and care staff are attentive and helpful. My operation was late in the day, and I stayed overnight. There were staff members present throughout the night, and pain management was regularly reviewed. The food during my stay was good and sufficient.

I really have no complaints about my experience at all. It was excellent. I do not believe that a private hospital experience would have been better. I felt safe, cared for, and respected. It's almost a shame I don't have any more hips to replace!