"I had a full hip replacement"

This is a bit long winded but I thought my experience might be helpful to future patients attending Stracathro Hospital Surgical unit for treatment.

My Hip operation was booked for early October. I had to report to Stracathro hospital Surgical unit at 08:00 which I did. I was met by very friendly efficient nursing staff who welcomed me and got me settled  into my ward. I was then visited by my Surgeon and Anaesthetist who went over the procedure with me. The ward nursing staff looked after me until it was time for my operation. The whole procedure took about 2 hours and it all went very well due to the skill and professionalism of the Surgeon, Anaesthetist and the Theatre staff. I had the Spinal block (epidural) instead of a General Anaesthetic so my recovery time was quick and I was back on the ward where the nursing staff were waiting to settle me in once again. Friendly, caring, attentive, humorous and highly skilled professionals each and every one. They have a way of putting the patients at ease by using a personal approach coupled with highly skilled professionalism. The handovers between shifts went very smoothly, I was introduced to the staff taking over and all my detailed notes in the folder were related accurately and effectively to the incoming staff. The staff finishing their shift came in to say goodbye before they left which I thought was a nice touch. Regular tests and observations were carried out throughout my stay, explanations and medication were carefully explained to me on every occasion.

I was also visited by Occupational Health professionals who helped me with a lot of stuff we all take for granted but after surgery the way these tasks are done changes for a while. They again were friendly, caring, humorous and highly skilled professionals who’s advice and aids were invaluable. Next day was the physio team who went through my bed based exercises to aid my recovery and build up strength in the muscles and tissue affected by the surgery, that was followed by getting me out of bed and walking, initially with a walking frame (zimmer) and soon after, on to crutches. Again so professional, friendly, attentive and caring. I was not allowed to fly solo as they named it 😁 on my first day but could get up and get on with things, as you need to do! as long as I used my call button to alert the nursing staff that I needed supervision and help if necessary to move around. The nursing staff responded very quickly day or night and were most helpful. Always a smile and a reassuring word or two which went a long way to relieve any anxiety I felt about disturbing them as the dealt with all the other patients in the wards.

Day 2 and a busy day for me. My first post op shower, again something we take for granted. I was helped to the shower room where everything was explained clearly to me. I was helped into position then left to shower in private. I had an emergency pull cord within easy reach to alert the staff should I need assistance or to let them know when I was ready to get dressed. I was assisted to get dried of and dressed then escorted back to my ward. I was again seen by occupational Health who gave me some more aids and advice which again proved invaluable. They were happy with my progress and grasp of the procedures so I was signed off. It was then Physio, checking that I had my bed exercises covered and that I was walking comfortably and confidently with my crutches. It was then on to using stairs (ascending and descending) which again was explained very clearly by the staff. A few practice runs which went well then signed off to fly solo 😁 . Back to the ward where the surgical team done there assessment, signed me off and deemed I was able to go home. 

I went into Stracathro a bit scared and apprehensive about my operation but thanks to all the wonderful professionals who took care of me while I was in there my time in Stracathro Hospital was made more pleasant than I could have ever imagined.

A big thank you from me to all of you 😁