"Excellent care at Sunderland Royal Hospital"

I had a total hip replacement operation in November. I have Type 1 diabetes and Parkinsons, so was warned about potential complications, and that I maybe in for longer than the average 2 days. The surgeon and the nursing staff were superb, and I was able to go home after 2 days. Some nurses struggled a little with my complicated meds regime, but they listened when I tried to explain how I manage them, and we got here!

3 days after getting home, I was taken to A&E due to severe constipation and water retention.

It's likely that painkillers after my op were the cause, despite using the laxatives provided prior to discharge. I would suggest that staff should insist that patients take laxatives, if they are required, after a given length of time. I was asked if I 'would like to have some'. I chose not to, when first asked, but wish I had been persuaded to do so, rather than waiting another 24 hours.

The care I received from the staff in A&E, and the ambulance that took me there, was second to none! Part way through my treatment, I decided to try to count how many people had been (and those who would be from then on) involved in my care, so I could write and thank them. The total was over 30! They were all very professional, caring, understanding and helpful, with whatever they had to do, or were asked to do by me.

What astounded me was the reaction I got from the consultant and sister when I asked for a pen and some paper. They were relieved to hear why I wanted them, because they said that they only ever receive letters of complaint - never any thanking them. Some of the things that the staff have to do for patients might be what they are trained for, but they are still pretty, if not downright, unpleasant!

I don't know why there are more people choosing to complain if they perceive that they have been 'wronged', than choosing to thank staff for their help when they need it. I made a point of emailing the CX of the hospital trust to thank him, and ask him to thank the staff in the departments concerned on my behalf. I also made cards from photographs that I'd taken, and took them to the departments myself.

One thing in the Urology department that needs to be addressed, is the type of chair available to patients in the waiting area. After having a catheter removed, I had to drink and pass enough water to prove that I could empty my bladder normally again. Due to my new hip, I needed seats to be high enough for me to get into and out of, without my hip being higher than my knees at any point. There were no seats in the waiting area that I could use. When I mentioned this to one of the nursing staff, they had obviously been told this before, so I hope that this can be put right.

(NB This website only allows patients to name one department involved in their visit to the hospital. I visited several, so please add orthopaedics, radiology, urology and discharge departments to A & E.)