"Hip Replacement - Dickens Ward, Ashford & St…"

I recently had a full left hip replacement on Dickens Ward at Ashford Hospital on 20/11/2019.

I write to advise on my thoughts.

I was amazed by the care, kindness and warmth shown by all members of the team during my 3 day stay.

This refers to everyone I came into contact with during my stay including the nurses, physios and anaesthetists and operating team.

I was also impressed that a couple of days after the operation one of the operating team came to my bedside to discuss the operation and say that all is well.

The physiotherapists on the ward were superb in starting the recovery process.

I had recently read in the Telegraph that older men were being denied joint surgery physiotherapy.

On my discharge from hospital I had two 1:1 physio sessions with another member of the physio team.

The progress I have made by following the physio's instruction has again amazed me.

I am now discharged from physio and continue to follow the exercises provided.

Without going into great detail, once I had stopped using crutches I found I was then walking with the 'Trendenberg Gait'.

The physio showed me a simple way of correcting this and 3 weeks later the limp has gone.

I wish I was able to mention all the staff I came into contact with.

To me this is the NHS at its very best.

I would hope that Dickens Ward is a flagship ward.

Please pass on my thanks.