"My recent hip replacement operation at Grantham Hospital"

Each and every one of the incredible staff I came into contact with! They were amazing! The staff on the day ward, the Pre-op theatre staff, and especially Simon who assisted the anesthetist. He was incredible and made me feel safe and that I had a friend with me throughout the procedure. He was with me in recovery and came back to the ward with me; such a kind man who clearly cares about his job and his patients. My surgeon Professor Lee was brilliant also, greeting me in recovery room and again on the ward when I arrived back. The staff on ward 2 were brilliant, I was so well looked after!! Including the auxiliary staff, so kind and friendly. The OT's, the Physios and everyone else I came across were wonderful. There was such a sense of community and most of the staff knew each other. They were short staffed but helped each other out. I cannot sing the praises enough of each and everyone who looked after me. Going in for major surgery is terrifying (especially when you have young children) but they made me feel so well looked after. Angels; each and every one of them. 

I do however have a complaint I need to make about the disastrous discharge process I experienced! Which was such a shame following my wonderful treatment during my stay. There was no joined up process! I met with pharmacist at lunchtime on my day of discharge who advised me of the meds I was going with; blood thinners, co-codamol and liquid morphine. I was notified at 3 pm I was going home, just waiting for my prescription. Gone 5pm the nurse presented me with co-codamol and nothing else!!! Knowing the risks of DVT following surgery I was shocked the correct medication was not provided. I challenged this and a Doctor- who seemed confused at best; tried to explain about mid communication which was sometimes verbal??? They also advised that they had been in the theatre when I had my op and was aware I’d lost a lot of blood, so they would look into it. Finally Professor Lee's Colleague was able to resolve the issue and I was eventually allowed home with a hand written prescription for me to collect from Asda. This was over 3 hours AFTER I’d been told I could go home. I’m sure I don’t need to spell out the risks, but my concern is that someone who was perhaps not as ‘aware’ May have gone home without challenging the medication and risking severe repercussions. At no point would this have been followed up, which is a terrifying thought. 

Such a fantastic, methodical, carefully and well orchestrated stay in hospital where my details were checked in triplicate (for the most part), ended in a potentially life threatening shambles! I honestly believe the discharge process needs to be reviewed with some urgency. I have spoken to 2 other people who experienced the exact same issue during their stay at a Grantham; one of which was my father following a knee replacement last year. Fantastic care during their stay, but a disastrous discharge process. I would be more than happy to be contacted to discuss this further or provide additional information if required.