Feedback on my personal surgical journey.
Firstly I would like to say that being a resident in the Lothian Health area my first point of contact, having been referred by my GP, was with the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where I was diagnosed as requiring a Full Replacement Hip. The ERI consultant suggested that I would likely be seen quicker if I could travel to either Fife or Glasgow. This was not a problem for me and, within about a couple of month of being placed, on the list I was contacted by letter from The Fife National Treatment Centre at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. I was given a date to attend pre-assessment. The literature took me through what the pre-assess process was going to be, and had helpful tips on exercises and diet on what I could be doing.
The assessment was thorough I felt very much at ease, as it progressed, with the staff explaining every step of the way. Nikki and her team were excellent.
After the pre-assessment, about six weeks later, I received a letter confirming a date for the operation. From arriving at admission at 07:00Hrs to being prepped for the op I was guided and informed every step of the way which settled the little bit of nervous anxiety that I had. I think it really helped that the staff were communicating the same information that I had previous;y received in the confirmation letter. Although there was a bit of paperwork procedure to go through I did not feel that it was in any way intrusive.
Post op, I was moved to the recovery area, where I was monitored continuously for about an hour, and then transferred to a ward where I was monitored further at about 15 minute intervals.
My wife was allowed to join with me when I was on the ward. This helped pass the time until my discharge at around 18:00 Hrs.
Pre discharge I was checked by occupational health and a physiotherapist demonstrated the methods for mobility and put me through a walking test and navigating steps with my new crutches. All was good and I was discharged with a new medications to take at home. All in, my experience was one of excellent care, communication and caring from a very professional team.
This is not a but; but I think the only gap in the procedural post op communication is that there is little to no mention of the monitoring procedure, the nursing attendance, the porter staff and the X-Ray staff. All of whom had a big input post op.
"Full replacement hip"
About: Trauma & orthopaedics / Orthopaedic National Treatment Centre Trauma & orthopaedics Orthopaedic National Treatment Centre KY2 5AH Victoria Hospital / Pre-assessment Victoria Hospital Pre-assessment Kirkcaldy KY2 5AH
Posted by correspondencery55 (as ),
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