"Calm and effective care for my dislocated hip"

I was doing my regular morning exercise routine per my physio, which I’ve been doing for several months to build strength after a full replacement hip operation end of Feb 2025. I had already a dislocation after a fall a few weeks ago. Changing position to start a new set of exercises, I stood and turned and my hip “popped out”. At 7:30 this morning.

I had to crawl on the floor to get to my phone and call 999. The call handler was excellent and the clinician who called back was the same. She let me know that this morning the ambulance traffic was light in my area and kept me on the line whilst it arrived 15 mins later. Kept me calm and updated on ETA.

The paramedics were excellent. Kept me calm and had great and soothing attitudes. Very efficient and professional. Kind and caring. Administered some pain relief before being taken to the ambulance. One was ever present in the back with me, and made sure I was comfortable and in as little pain as possible.

Straight into Resus at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (no waiting at all) and all the doctors, nurses and support staff were in good humour, caring, attentive and got on with the checks for the relocation procedure without any fuss. They kept me informed of what was being done and the procedure. I was kept comfortable and my hip issue was resolved in double quick time.

I met with the Occupational Therapist and asked to stand. Which I did and was able to walk unaided straight away. Which is brilliant not least as I’ve dislocated it before just a couple of months ago after a fall. And the outcome post procedure was not nearly as good as this time. I couldn’t even pull my socks on. I’ve got full flexibility and mobility again now and I am in better shape now than I was just yesterday.

From calling 999 to being discharged, with improved mobility and flexibility, took just over 4 hours. And that’s with a 1/2 hour drive in the ambulance to RIE!

Overall I had an excellent experience and I cannot thank everyone who took care of me, enough. At every stage I was cared for and their relaxed demeanour helped keep me calm. 

Thank you all.