"A new hip in Ludlow Ward"

I have recently had a hip replacement in the Ludlow Ward. I was extremely well cared for from the moment I arrived. The nursing staff were very caring and considerate and the room was clean and welcoming. My surgeon visited pre-op and post-op and their registrar kept and eye on me each day. The anaesthetist was exceptional, as I was very nervous and they visited me before and after the operation and was very caring.

I was taught how to use my crutches and I received some items to take home to help me at home. I had been led to believe that I would be able to borrow any items I needed and it was not until the day before I left that I was told that because of where I lived I would not be able to borrow certain items. I think that this should have been told to me before I went into hospital so that I could get my own items and be prepared. This was a bit of a worry as when I got home I was unsure of what I could and could not sit on.

I would have liked more guidance from the physios as to the progression from 2 crutches to 1 to none. I asked but wasn't told. I am lucky that my daughter is a physio and she taught me the next stage of walking! I also think that a phone call maybe 5 days after I had got home would have been useful. Just to see how I was getting on and whether I had any questions.

Overall it was a very good experience, if you can call a major operation a good experience! And, by the way, the food was first class!