"My husband's excellent care on Sage Ward"

My husband recently had a knee replacement the 2nd time on this knee, so a long operation and painful recovery. He has had 2 previous knee replacements at another hospital and had a really bad experience both times, this time it couldn't have been more different.

The consultant listened to his concerns and allayed his worries. The staff on Sage were really good, they were knowledgeable and helpful. Small, but important things like having fresh water were dealt with, without asking. If he needed help a member of staff always came quickly. All the staff at whatever level were friendly and professional, procedures were explained well. As a visitor I was very impressed with them and so was my husband.

The Physio staff have also been really great, in the hospital and on home visits. I would like to thank them all, he is making a good recovery and that is due to the care given.

I would also like to say that the person on switchboard that day was also very helpful. Knowing my husband had gone down for his operation about 8 am I phoned at midday to find out how he was doing. The person on switchboard put me through to the ward and they told me he wouldn't be up for another couple of hours. In all I phoned 3 times and I spoke to the same person on the switchboard, each time she was very helpful. When I came down to the hospital later that day I still wasn't sure which ward he would be in, so I asked at the information desk and again spoke to the same person, she remembered my name from my phone calls and was very friendly to me. She phoned around for me and found out he had only just been moved onto Sage ward, she then gave me clear directions to the ward.

My only gripe would be the food, it looked awful and all the patients complained about it. My husband didn't eat anything while in the hospital and I took food in for him daily.