"My hip replacement operation"

In early February, I attended the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for a hip replacement operation. At 63 years old, this was to be my first stay in hospital since a small operation at the age of 4 and I have to admit to being more than a little apprehensive about the whole experience ahead.

I now feel compelled to put on record just how grateful I am to Mr Marsh and his wonderful team for the quite extraordinary level of service I have received. 

I was due to have an epidural anaesthetic rather than a general and It did worry me just how aware I would be of my surroundings, throughout the procedure. Dr McLuskey and her colleagues were simply wonderful, talking me through what was happening, step by step. The injection was no more than a “scratch” and after a short wait, I could feel nothing. Once in the operating theatre, I was given something else to make me sleep and the next thing I knew the operation was all done. 

I never got the chance to thank all of the people involved on the day because I never saw them again but I want them to know how much the whole team helped to reassure me at what was a very stressful time. 

Thereafter, in ward 10A, I was looked after very well and again my thanks go to all the numerous staff who helped with my recuperation. 

There are many unsung heroes in the NHS who will not be recognised for what they do. From porters who have a wee joke with you whilst taking you to X-ray, the young lad who took my meal order on the ward, the nurses who are on call at any time of the day or night. As an example, my most nervous time was waiting to be taken to theatre. The Irish nurse who came to collect me will maybe not realise just how much help she provided with her reassuring words and a smile. She held my hand literally and metaphorically whilst getting my anaesthesia. 

Whatever level you work at in the NHS, you can make a difference to the experience of the patient and all I can say is that I am enormously grateful to everybody who looked after me during my stay. Thank you!