"Caring, reassuring and efficient care for total knee replacement"

I was admitted on Monday for total knee replacement. Everything went smoothly, no excessive waiting around.

Kabita and student Shola were excellent, with Shola getting blood on the first try (a bit unusual for me !). The theatre staff were great, despite having problems with the epidural, they kept me updated all the time about what they were doing, what to expect etc. Chloe was very reassuring and talked me through everything. I was given a sedative as I didn't want to be awake during the surgery.

The sedative lasted until just towards the end of the op. I could hear the surgeon banging on the new joint and then I heard the staples going in but there was no pain and the anaesthetist and staff were talking to me throughout.

Once in recovery my temperature dropped but the recovery staff worked very quickly, putting a heat blanket onto me and sitting with me until my temperature was at a normal level.

I was then transferred to the ward where the care could not have been better. Catherine (ANP) and Margaret/Maureen looked after me really well during the first day, nothing was too much trouble. Katrina took over on nights and she was amazing, very straight talking, but I knew exactly what she expected and when, she was very clear in what she was doing and what I needed to do. Again, nothing was too much trouble for her.

Despite not being in a normal ward the area was very quiet and I did manage to get some sleep overnight. Regular obs were taken throughout my stay, giving me a feeling of total confidence in the nursing staff. The surgeon Mr Murray visited me prior to the op and then twice after, he was happy to answer any questions I had, and was very reassuring.  Kabita, Shola and APN Catherine were working again on Tuesday and once more they were very caring, reassuring and happy to do anything I needed. 

The physio staff attended and took me through all the steps I needed prior to discharge. They were all very clear about what to expect during discharge etc.

If I had any suggestion to improve it would be the actual discharge. Cannulas were taken out last minute when, in my opinion, they could have been removed earlier, taking the pressure off the staff. My fit note was very last minute - surely this could have been arranged much earlier. But these are very minor suggestions and overall the treatment I received was excellent.  Food and drink were offered regularly and I wanted for nothing.