"Physiotherapists paramount to my recovery"

Now had treatment from this team 4 times, twice from Martin, then more recently , and still ongoing, from Debbie.

Began 2018, left hip totally disintegrated. I was confined to my bedroom and unable to walk at all, and only got to bathroom with husband and daughter support. Martin set me up with a Zimmer frame, gave me exercises to do on the bed to strengthen my weak muscles. After some treatment at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, he was bask to support me again, and arranged for a handrail to be fitted to my staircase, enabling me to come downstairs for the first time in 4 months, which made a massive difference to myself and my family, as I could be amongst them without them having to stop all their activities to come upstairs to me.

After my hip replacement in September 2020, the Rapid Response Team again became a lifeline. This time I met the wonderful Debbie. From the start, her positive outlook, encouragement and constant support, have been a Godsend. After being unable to weight bear for over 2 years, the journey to today has not been easy, but Debbie has been there throughout it all, supplying me with relevant exercises, advice, relevant sids and most crucial of all, encouragement and belief that I would get stronger.

My progress was further hampered by a fall in October that year, after which I had the need for a brace on my leg. This was a blow, and very disheartening, but Debbie was there once again to pick me up and help me move forward during a difficult blip, until it was finally removed, and with her help I am now on my feet, walking with 2 sticks quite independently. I still have down periods, but she lifts me out if these, and moved me forwards again.

I fear my period of help is coming to an end. In truth I know I now have the tools I need to move forth with my family’s support, but she has promised she will still be on the end of a phone line. Her practical support and knowledge have of course been paramount to my recovery, but her presence, calm support and personality have been just as responsible for my recovery.