"Fantastic service in orthopedic outpatients:..."

On the date mentioned above i had an appointment with the team in the ortho outpatients department of PAH, relating to a problem with my lower extremities, specifically Haglunds Deformity. I had been to my doctors twice in 3 months, and tho they are a great practice, at first it was somewhat dismissed. Their only suggestion was i take anti-inflam painkillers multiple times a day. As my problem was a bone growth, and it was causing me much distress in terms of pain, lessened physical ability, and nights of interrupted sleep, i was not happy with the lack of constructive advice. Painkillers weren't going to and wont deal with the problem, they will only manage it. When i managed to get the doctor to book an appointment with a surgeon i'll admit, i wasn't really expecting a different solution... how wrong i was.. Before even getting ready for my appt I was called, by the surgeon themself and not one of his admin, to ask if i could come in earlier as they had some space. Very polite telephone manner. Upon arriving for my appt yesterday, I was mildly lost, and received no end of helpful directions from smiling and friendly staff. One member of staff even stopped me when they saw i was looking a little lost. When i reached the ortho outpatients department i was seen by admin nurses straight away, who were all incredibly friendly. I feel it is also worth a mention that i saw some fantastic interaction between nurses and elderly patients in the ortho outpatients department. One nurse in particular really made me feel positive, and i had no personal interaction with them at all. I was seated for approx 3 mins before being sent in to see the surgeon . After a friendly and sincere handshake the surgeon jumped straight in. They did not question it as my own doctors had, but simply asked to look at the affected area. After doing this they asked some general questions, and booked me straight in for x-rays. They arranged more tests and has even made it clear how to book future appointments so they all fall in time with my results. He didn't once mention painkillers, as my own doctors has so eagerly suggested. (I am personally opposed to the idea of medicating anything long term if it is avoidable - and in this case it is). Before i walked into PAH yesterday i was feeling very deflated, and rather low, as i had been an extremely keen walker and generally very physical. I had received very little help until then and had started to believe i was somewhat stuck with my growing problem. After seeing the surgeon and the fantastic team, i feel so much more positive. I cannot thank the ortho outpatients team enough for their fantastic, professional, and truly friendly service. And this is only the beginning of the road. Your all wonderful. Thank you so much :) Kindest Regards, Elizabeth Radburn