"I am writing to say a very big ..."

What I liked

I am writing to say a very big ‘Thank You’ for the First Class care and attention I received during and after my recent knee replacement surgery at your Centre during November 2009. I cannot speak too highly of the attention to detail and the warm, friendly considerations given to me throughout the time of the preparation for the surgery, the post-operation recovery period and recuperation time on the ward. As you can imagine, entering into such a surgical procedure is fraught with anxiety and apprehension. From reception to discharge the warm, polite and very personal way that all your Staff made sure every stage was carefully explained, and questions fully answered, allayed all my anxieties. Your surgical team were beyond praise for the way they prepared me for and conducted my operation. Although I became conscious during the latter stages of the procedure, it was handled in a way that put me at immediate ease and I do not remember any anxious moments. Throughout my stay, without exception, all the nurses were very friendly, open, courteous and extremely professional and were a great credit to their profession in general and to your Centre in particular and I cannot commend them highly enough. Their professional knowledge of all the drugs used was impressive and the patience demonstrated to explain the effects of taking prescribed tablets to ward off the effects of pain, or discomfort was reassuring. That was especially relevant at night and was incalculable in getting a comfortable night sleep, which I’m sure contributed to my speedy recovery. Your Physiotherapy team were also very professional, polite but firm and greatly helped in restoring early confidence in walking. The menu-option food choices were excellent. Friendly and courteous staff served all meals hot and efficiently. In closing, my short stay was filled with nothing but good memories and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your Centre to anyone wanting similar surgery.

What could be improved

Pre-entry advice letter would benefit from advising shorts and a T-shirt-type casual wear would be more appropropriate for male patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Some pyjamas may be too restrictive for the After-Care period. If a patient needs assistance in the provision of additional devices to make life more practicable at home - like a raised comode for the toilet - the time to raise concerns is before leaving hospital. I got asked if there was any help needed during my post-release Assessment Session at the Pysiotherapy Class in my local hospital, five days after release from Peninsula. By then, I had mastered a way of going to the toilet. Retrospectively, a comode extension would have made life easier.

Anything else?

Free parking for visitors could be stressed more. Compared to Derriford, in todays climate, this is a major benefit for a visitor. The extensive cafe on the ground floor could be advertised more in the introductory messages. Visitors who may need to be travelling during meal times may find that information useful.