Share review of The Meriden Hospital - part of Circle Health Group

The Meriden Hospital - part of Circle Health Group 2024-06-26 Person 5 5 0

From my arrival for my first assessment to my departure after operation I found the staff to be supportive and keen to help in any way they could. Before entering the building I was informed by the car park attendant to take care as there was building work taking place in the entrance and waiting area. Despite the extensive alterations being done to the interior the site was clean and dust free. A cheery greeting from the receptionist who checked my paperwork and ensured that I was sent to the correct waiting area for my appointment. I was scheduled for a total hip replacement and at each of my appointments prior to the operation day the nursing and physio staff were excellent providing me with a wheelchair or supportive arm when my walking stick was no longer sufficient in getting me from A to B. One of those places being the doctors office. I could not have asked for a better doctor. He could see my problem and during discussion about my medical background, and why I had not been operated on sooner, pulled up my x-ray from my visit to a different hospital. He put my mind at rest and let me know that I would not be waiting another two years for an operation. (It was two weeks). Having had my other hip replaced eight years ago it was explained to me how this operation would be different and what would be involved in the preparation, and aftercare. In the X-ray room I discussed alternative, less painful, methods for me to get into the positions that they required. I was listened to and using rolled up pillows and pads I was supported comfortably while they got the x-rays that they required. The nurses were supportive and reassured me about the surgery, some relating to me about the operation they had done by my surgeon. They were always there for me, especially the night following my surgery. My bladder was like the Niagra Falls. Every 45 minutes or so my urine bottle needed replacing. Apologies to the staff who were on that night. The theatre staff were comforting and always aware of the pain that I was in prior to the operation. The anaesthetist allowed me time and space to get into the position that he required to give me the epidural injection, with minimal discomfort to myself, the nursing staff helping support me and keep me safe. Following the operation I awoke in my room with nurses keeping an eye on me an ice cold pack on my hip with a machine pumping ice cold water and air through it. All the better for my healing process. Had this on for a day then it was up and about to use the toilet and get my legs working again. With encouragement and guidance from the nurses and physio's I was soon up and about and ready to go home. What I noticed more than anything was the teamwork and how I fitted into it. I was not just another number on a conveyor belt. I was listened to and involved in any decision making regarding my care before, during and after my operation. It was never a case of 'you must do this or that.' But, 'are you able to? If not let's look at alternatives.' To sustain me through this was the catering. With some good choices on the daily menu, with a Full English breakfast if you wanted a substantial start to the day I was spoilt for choice. A big thank you to all departments at Meriden Hospital who colluded and worked together to make my treatment and operation a success. I am well on the road to recovery and preparing for my return to work.