"Total Knee Replacement at Tameside General"

I recently had a knee replacement at Tamesidse Hospital and the nursing team, with the odd exception, were great. I felt that the wards are woefully understaffed overnights but although busy seem to be about right during the daytime. I stayed in hospital for 6 nights so I felt I got a good picture of the running of a modern ward. For a service that is entirely free; it is marvelous. OK there are lots of gliches and issues and the staff know what they are. Clinicians seldom seemed to spend enough time with their patients in my experience. I saw my consultant/surgeon for a total of 4 minutes throughtout the entire period. However, my knee is now fine and perhaps they have got the consultancy time balance right.

I thought the physiotherapy team are a mixed bunch. The entire process of having a new knee installed relies heavily on the physiotherapists encouragement and skill. I found the team that patrolled the ward during my time there uninspiring and not too enthusiastic (in fact they look bored with their jobs). However, the team that are based in the physiotheraphy department are fantastic. I was so inspired and encouraged by Jill Hartley that I am walking fine and driving; all down to her work and inspiration (she needs a big medal bosses!).

The newly created Enhanced Recovery Scheme seems dubious in its effectiveness and although in my opinion the aim is to empty beds as quickly as possible (no matter what anyone tells you), I found the after-care not very enhanced or joined up with the physio team. I think the enhanced bit, after you leave hospital, is really 3 phone calls to you at home to see how you are doing. So, having contracted an infection in my new knee I phoned the Enhanced Recover Nurse and they got me to attend the out patients clinic that day ("as a favour") where I waited 3 hours in a crowded waiting room to be given some pain killers and anit-biotics during a two minute consultation with a junior doctor? (I could have gone to my own GP).

I want my local hospital to be amongst the best and morale in general seems to me to be a systemic problem. In my experience it was small patches of excellence alongside disapointed employees. I think that Tameside needs to get to grips with morale as it rubs off onto patients. The NHS is one of this countries finest services, but we must nurture and drive for excellence in service.