"Wonderful care"

I have just had a total hip replacement at Canada Wing , Orpington.

I cannot praise the doctors nurses and support staff enough for their care .I was home by the fourth day.

That first day is so frightening the prospect of surgery and anaesthetic is petrifying.I can only say from the moment my name was called and the nurse took my bag, I was in safe reliable, hands. After the operation I was in a five bed ward part of ,Boddington.

The staff were reassuring and calm at all times.

there was a large turn round of staff over the four days but all were friendly and never seemed to lack time for a smile or encouragement. For me the most traumatic experience was the bedpans ! But to the staff it was no problem . They treated me with great respect .but still Be warned leave your dignity at home and pack your sense of humour. There was a lot of laughter, little pain. The medication kept that well under control. I experienced a lot of nausea and itching after the operation but both were normal reactions and staff were swift to administer relief. I was never left waiting if I used the bell. (Day or night). And I was repeatedly asked did I need additional pain relief. There was an emphasis on a pain free recovery. We are in Star Trek technology era with no touch thermometers , Ithat I found intriguing. Physio got me out of bed ,as soon as my BP would allow,and that put me a bit behind.but others were up in a couple of hours.. You won't be mollycoddled , but quiely encouraged. I was amazed to be up on a walker by day two , on crutches day three and home day four.

My one criticism would be the toilet layout. I required the higher seat on a frame o, which I had to manoeuvre into place while using a walker or crutches. Staff came to help but I'm certain that a slightly higher fixed toilet would solve the problem. And the waste bin was on the other side and needed a foot press to open, silly points but would make a lot of difference.

I returned home with a large bag of medication and various contraptions to help over the come weeks..Our NHS may not be perfect but that is not the fault of the amazing Health Professional at Orpington.