"Total knee replacement"

I had a total knee replacement in Withers, Ward 4A, performed by Mr Molloy. A successful operation carried out under epidural anaesthetic with a small, neat, clean scar and minimal bruising.

I cannot begin to describe how marvellous the staff were at every level, right down to the very sweet trainee nurses. Totally caring and dedicated and unbelievably kind. Vanya, a Bulgarian staff nurse, was an angel of mercy who did her utmost to ease the post-operative pain and discomfort of the patients.

Beds were unexpectedly comfortable, there was a good standard of cleanliness and bedding was changed daily. Most patients would have benefited from a slightly longer stay with additional physio but given the dire state of NHS funding, the emphasis is on early discharge wherever possible.

Pain blunts the appetite of most people. Even so, the menu could have been improved with the addition of healthy salads, green vegetables and stewed fruit with, plain yoghurt rice or tapioca. The most appetising item on the menu was vegetable soup and wheaten bread.