"hip replacement"

I do not often (never) give reviews or opinions but in this case I am to make an exception. I spent last weekend in ward 15a following hip replacement surgery on Friday afternoon and went home Monday afternoon. Without exception everybody I dealt with was patient and understanding. I do not really know where to start, the waiting list staff did what they promised, the theatre staff did thier best to put me at ease and the ward staff without exception were polite, cheerful and helpful. I do have to give a special mention to the night staff who were happy to help in any way at any time and even appeared cheerful doing so, despite having to work an extra hour on Sunday due to the clocks going back. The food provided was of a fantastic quality considering the numbers catered for, I have had worse at a cheap pub chain (no names required) and it all tasted really fresh. I also have to say the entire place was really clean and I am a bit fussy about cleaning! There are some procedural points I feel could be improved, this is nothing to do with the staff or standard of care by the way. Firstly the date of the operation was left vague for quite some time, firming this up earlier would have made planning a protracted absence from work a little easier. Secondly a little fact sheet on what to expect on the day of admission would also have been helpful. I checked in at 11am as required but really did not know I would be in reception for some time being seen by a few people and returning to reception until being taken for the operation. Anyway I am at home now attempting to follow the instructions given to me by the OT and physio teams, also a great bunch in thier own special way. The purpose of this ramble is two fold. Firstly to thank everyone involved in my procedure and I really do trust this will filter to everyone, from the consultant who took the trouble to ring my partner directly after the operation and saw me at weekend, to all the nurses, support, aftercare staff, chefs and the transport guys who got me home safely, all doing what has to be said is a superb job without exception. Secondly I would like to reassure anyone going for a similar procedure that you are and will be in good hands, well cared for and well supported I'm a modern, clean, professional and yet friendly environment. I did read the reviews before I went in so if one person reads this and it helps then it has been worth while I guess. This is not the forum to discuss Nhs funding, staff pressures were evident, specifically in a ward with some high needs patients but the staff dealt with it and with some cooperation and understanding from everyone the system still works, hopefully that will remain the case I'm the future. There are not sufficient characters here to mention the individuals and small acts of consideration that really were appreciated, sorry but I guess the everyday to some is exceptional to others, such as myself.