"A fall, a broken hip and an excellent outcome"

During one Saturday afternoon in October I tripped and fell in my garden. I landed very heavily on my left side on a concrete path and for a few minutes was completely unable to move. By the time I had recovered my breath my wife had found me and was trying to help me to stand up. We quickly realised that standing wasn't going to be possible, and the excruciating pain indicated something was seriously wrong. My wife phoned for an ambulance and within 30 minutes I was on the way to ARI in the care of a very competent ambulance crew.

At the hospital I was taken almost immediately to the A&E x-ray unit, where a smashed femur-neck was identified. A few minutes later I was taken to an assessment ward and after examination I was told that I would be operated on first thing the following morning. I was tested for Covid-19 and then moved to a pre-operative ward for the night and given painkillers. A member of the surgical team came to visit and discussed with me the nature of my injury and how the operation would proceed. I was given plenty of time to ask questions, particularly about the choice of anaesthetic, and the risks of side effects from either method. It was explained that I would receive a full replacement hip joint.

The following morning I was taken to the operating theatre and introduced to the team. Again, I was given an opportunity to express any concerns and to ask questions, which were readily answered. After the administration of the spinal block plus a sedative, I dozed fairly comfortably throughout the operation. I was vaguely concious of the manipulations necessary for the insertion of the replacement joint, but there was no pain.

I spent a further few days in ARI recovering from the operation and learning how to stand and walk a few steps at a time. All the nurses who dealt with me were very considerate and caring, and happy to provide reassurance when it was needed.

On the Wednesday I was transferred to a recovery ward in Woodend General hospital. I was given a pair of crutches and instructed how to use them safely. By Friday I was considered fit for discharge and my wife took me home by car. Recovery and rehabilitation have continued steadily since then; I attended a follow-up meeting at the Fracture clinic this week from which I understood that the recovery was proceeding normally as expected.

My experience throughout this traumatic episode has been very positive. I felt that everyone with whom I came into contact was totally professional and competent, such that I had full confidence that I was in safe hands.

I would like to express my profound thanks to Professor Johnstone and Mr Boddie, their teams, and everyone who works in the Trauma unit for the excellent and empathetic treatment that I received throughout. This is what a hospital should be!