"The whole experience. It was ..."

What I liked

The whole experience. It was a very comprehensive, detailed, caring and human operation. Starting with the pre-operation meetings at which everything was explained such that there was nothing afterwards that I was not aware of. Nothing, including all of the possible downsides. The operation itself and my subsequent stay were first class. (the only 'off spec' was my failure to remain drowsy during the operation and I slept all the way through!). The accomodation was excellent and I am sure it contributes to the very speedy recovery I have experienced. The care of all of the staff was particularly good. Such an operation needs a lot of initial care and all needs were speedily and reassuringly met. I was very quickly got on my feet and walking (with crutches) almost immediately, and gently encouraged to continue by the physio staff.

Having left hospital, the after care and support continued at the same high level with all home visits and equipment supplied on time. The 24 hour helpline was especially useful and the 2 emergency visits to the QE were quickly proved groundless. Still very reassuring.

The subsequent physio/rehab programme quickly measured and confirmed my rate of progress.

I've very recently been seen by my consultant who has confirmed that I can begin a phased return to work. Confirmation of the whole process.

To repeat, everything, including the inevitable pain and all improbable outcomes, were set out in detail before. The accompanying booklets have been extensively used and continue to be so. Nothing was unexpected. Orthopaedic operations are necessarily painful, and not taken lightly. However If anyone does need to undergo knee surgery then they could not do better than the QE experience. The environment, all of the staff, and especially my consultant are the best. A great advert for the NHS.

What could be improved

Extremey difficult to think of anything significant.

Anything else?

Just a further endorsement of the whole process. A thought echoed by my wife who was similarly reassured.