"Arthroscopy 15th March 2013"

Anything else?

Following the accident on 25th January my treatment started with an orthopaedic appointment on 5th February at which the doctor explained very clearly how future treatment would progress. I had X-rays on the 5th, then was offered a cancellation slot for MRI on 12th February (very quick).

I had a follow-up appointment in Orthopaedics on 12th March at which, armed with the MRI and assessment of movement, the doctor explained that he needed to do an arthroscopy and possibly remove some damaged menisceal cartilage, simultaneously taking advantage of access to the interior of the knee to assess the true extent of the damage to the anterior cruciate ligament.

To my amazement he was able to offer me an operating slot on 15th March and I was very pleased about the lack of delay.

I turned up on 15th and was admitted to Maple A where the nursing staff, anaesthetist and physiotherapist conducted all of the pre-operation procedures with the utmost efficiency. There were periods of immense activity combined with relative calm on Maple A but all day the staff were efficiently shepherding patients through the various procedures necessary for their admission. There was no cutting corners, the hand-washing facilities were used consistently and, frankly, the staff worked really hard without ever becoming flustered or showing impatience. One nurse only had 15 minutes for lunch after working flat out all the morning and an equally busy afternoon.

The operation took place somewhat later in the day than planned but this was entirely due to the availability of beds for the hour or two post-recovery. The nursing staff and the doctor were punctilious about letting me know what was going on.

My treatment in anaesthetics was kind, prompt and efficient as was the treatment I received in the recovery area. Their general monitoring and administration of pain relief was conducted gently and professionally.

Afterwards I spent about an hour and a half in Maple D (while the anaesthetic wore off totally) and there too the nursing staff were of the highest standard. It was supper-time for the ladies on this ward while I was there so I was able to observe how solicitous the nurses were in ensuring that two elderly ladies were helped to eat much of their supper. These nurses could not have been more kind and encouraging and they spoke to the elderly ladies very respectfully.

At 7.00 pm the physiotherapist came to check that I was fit to go home and having confirmed this the nursing staff went through the discharge procedure, explained the medication I had been given, what to do about the dressings etc. and even provided spare dressings. The nurse also confirmed that she would make the appointment for the follow-up clinic in two weeks.

So at 8.00 pm I was on my way home again having - in my view - experienced the very best of the NHS.

I hope that details of reviews are passed onto staff specifically concerned as the ones I met were first-class.