North Downs Hospital

I think it's a very good hospital but in retrospect I was maybe rushed out too soon. I have additional conditions that meant that I was possibly in more pain than some other patients. I was only in two nights for a hip replacement. My hip had been in a dreadful state for some time before operation.It was remarked how it had absolutely no cartilage left and looked almost fractured. I have fibromyalgia and additional conditions. I suffer from anxiety and have since been diagnosed with PTSD. Despite this I am a sensible person and very stoical, probably too much so. I don't complain much as am used to pain. I am also gentle and inclined to be friendly. The surgery and surgeon were great. The anaesthetist was great. Very kind. Most of the nurses were lovely. One was smashing. Unfortunately one nurse thought it would be ok to tease and bully me. She started on about my position in the bed and my belongings. Truth is I could not get straight as my arms also hurt from months of hand walking and failing myself around. I'd moved my possessions near so I could reach them but she said they were in the way of others, inferring I was selfish. They weren't. In fact I got on very well with the other patient. I was in terrible pain after the operation and very uncomfortable at this carry-on. I started to cry involuntarily because of her weird teasing. Tears rolled down my face. I shut my eyes so she'd think I was asleep. I heard her in the corridor saying something about my anxiety, possibly to cover her own back. This made me feel terrible. This nurses behaviour marred my positive experience and actually is often relived by me. It was traumatic. I've often thought maybe she thought she was being amusing but it really didn't seem so. The other thing is the physio. I nearly fainted while they were getting me to walk. She was very very rushed and pressing me on when actually I was in complete pain. I don't think this passes the dignity and respect test. She was nice as pie to the other patient. I did wonder if it was my skin colour because nothing else accounts for it. I do think they discharge you too early here. My brother was four nights in hospital and that's what I was told for my own plan, but I was encouraged to go home despite being very faint during physio. I have been back several times for follow up and other investigations on my limbs and tummy and found other staff incredibly kind and helpful. I did not think the food was good It was mostly salad with everything ( was it washed?)and chunky sandwiches. I think I only had one meal which was some rather horrible processed scampi. Again with salad. I asked for veg but they had none. It's a very good hospital and very clean.

Very good local hospital. Its free car park was a real bonus!

What I found was that a good explanation of the procedure, prior to the operation by Mr Panose. Good explanation by the anaesthetist, and answered all my questions. Clear explanation of the recovery procedure by the nurse (Margaret) and what was likely to occur during recovery. The same nurse being present at recovery. Plus, good admin work, pre op assessments. Confirmation phone call the day before the op, confirming time etc. Plus on arrival, very rapidly taken to room.

I had pre op treatment and major surgery here. Cleanliness:I'd say it's super clean which makes you feel comfortable. The bedding is fab. Very comfortable. Welcome: the staff are attentive and professional. Empathy: negatives first . A physio made me uncomfortable, unwell and extremely rushed. Positives: Great kindness from certain members of staff. Kindly surgeon, pleasant anaesthetists and doctors. Some really lovely kind nurses. I was moved carefully and without causing pain. Communication: a little confusing. Mostly very good. Pre op assessment: Excellent. Care: not much hands on personal care, was expected to wash on my own but I was not very safe really. In such pain. In the booklet it said I would be washed in bed, but no. Good: Ok meal not fab, but nice sandwiches. Excellent tea and biscuits. Pain management : good , they ensure you have your meds but twice forgot to remove the bag from the cannula. After care: good. You are given information and exercises. Overall excellent. Can't grumble excellent NHS funded. So lucky. Special mentions for wonderful Dr Kantak and Maggie and I J.

I had a knee replacement operation at North Downs which included an overnight stay. I was very impressed with the standard of care I received and the professionalism of all the staff.

Very well looked after both during my operation and aftercare.

Starting from the get-go as an NHS patient I was shown to my room, which was immaculate. Changed to get ready for my operation, which was about mid day, and was welcomed into the theatre, where everything was explained about the upcoming couple of hours of surgery. Recovery for about an hour then wheeled back to my room, offered a menu and was there anything I needed? Food and drink was offered, and for my three days there was totally looked after by the whole team, from Surgical team, Chef, Nurses, Housekeeping, and all. As I understand, most of the people who work there have been there for a long time time, and it seems once they start working there, they don't leave. Surgery and recovery went better than I could have hoped, and I'm now (6 x weeks post op) recovering better than I could have hoped for - couldn't recommend the place or people any higher - fantastic service from everyone.

I have had two knee replacements at North Downs and both experiences have been very positive. The nursing staff was very caring and friendly and made me feel comfortable during both my stays.

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I was treated extremely well by all staff both visits to the hosipital