"Total hip replacement by a very experienced..."

My hip replacement was performed end of March 2014. My stay was for 4/5 nights and physiotherapy was started the following morning post op. I was fortunate to be able to get this operation on the NHS. I have over the last 10 years had private paid for operations and NHS funded operations. I think that the Blackheath Hospital rates as highly as the other private hospitals I have been to and I am comparing like for like between four private hospitals. Blackheath however, is run like a 4/5 star hotel. The rooms are quite soundproofed and I could truly get some well earned rest. The food is well presented with an amazing choice and all my needs were met as the food was excellent and good portion size if you wanted a large portion maybe on one of the meals. The staff were very courteous from the senior level down to the person who brought in the paper. The staff who cleaned my room were so professional, kind and unobtrusive. The nurses taking care of me were numerous and varied in their style, but they all seemed to have the patient's interests at heart. I am 62, happy and quite an interested lady and I found the staff to be busy but attentive, with some staff being exceptional. All hospitals I have stayed at are a bit chaotic at times, due to new patients arriving, or just coming out of surgery, so I understand the need to be patient myself. This hospital rates as one of the best I have stayed at. When I asked for something, it was given to me. They made me tea in the night when I first had difficulty sleeping. I had my own private room with satellite TV. A free newspaper every morning of my choice and a lovely choice of menu everyday. Before going into hospital, the staff in the background, i.e. the office staff and the receptionists are always very nice and helpful. The time spent waiting for my appointment to be seen by the surgeon was always within 15 minutes. I think that's excellent! I have had three procedures in Blackheath and have been very happy with all three. I would be happy to pay for my treatment here, and my family have all been treated here privately over the years. I think that generally people's expectations are higher than ever with regard to their hospital treatment and I don't blame them, but personally I like to remember that I am not on holiday at my 5 star hotel, I am in a hospital, probably moaning at first, because I need help and pain relief. I personally was able to discuss what pain relief was suitable for me and there was a choice and discussion between me, the nurses and the doctor. Overall I was happy and grateful that there was no infection, that my leg length was perfect and was up and about using crutches in no time. It's easy to write a negative review, but I am reminded that this is not a review of a restaurant or hotel, this is a hospital, dealing with patients on a very personal level. I therefore recommend Blackheath hospital based on a good deal of experience with other hospitals.