"Excellent care"

I am a retired nurse and worked in the NHS for forty years, but have never needed to be admitted for anything other than childbirth! However, I recently had hip replacement surgery, and have nothing but praise for the care I received. From my initial appointment with the consultant in July, to having the operation in September ( yes, that's right - I waited less than three months)! The high professional standards of care have been outstanding. I was treated with courtesy, everything was explained and questions answered. The pre-op assessments and hip school prepared me mentally as well as physically for the operation. I was even loaned equipment such as raised toilet seat, shower stool etc to make post op recovery that bit easier. It is now almost 5 weeks since my surgery, and I have recovered well, during this time I have been visited at home by the orthopaedic outreach team to check my wound and monitor my progress. The wound has healed beautifully and I am now walking well unaided. I cannot praise the staff of South Tyneside Hospital enough. The surgeon, anaesthetist and theatre staff were superb, skilled and very professiona but caring too. I felt confident I was in good hands. The

ward staff were busy, but they carried out their duties in a caring and efficient manner. I certainly felt well looked after. The domestic staff kept my room spotlessly clean. The food, whilst plain was tasty and nutritious. The porters who took me to xray etc always had a smile and a bit of cheerful banter! The physio's were fantastic and had me up walking a few hours after my operation. So to sum up, the NHS at its best, and I would have no hesitation in recommending this hospital. It is a crying shame that the "powers that be" have down graded the maternity unit and closed children's A&E during the night. Keep up the good work everyone.