Nothing but praise for healthcare... (From Stourbridge News)

Nothing but praise for healthcare...

10:30am Thursday 3rd December 2009

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THE NHS and Russells Hall Hospital have come under severe criticism in the media in recent weeks and I would like to redress the balance.

I had a total knee replacement at Russells Hall on September 3 and can only praise all concerned in the process for their care, efficiency and cleanliness.

The process started with my own GP in February, followed by an assessment by a trained assessment nurse who took time to explain the options and answered all my queries.

An x-ray was done at Corbett Hospital, followed by another appointment at Brierley Hill Clinic to decide on what treatment was open to me and at what hospital I would like the treatment to be carried out.

I attended a seminar arranged for all pre-operation knee patients at Dudley Guest and again all the staff were informative and helpful and I came away with a folder of information.

Havin decided on Russells Hall, I saw the consultant in July and consequently had my operation, several cross checks being made beforehand and asked to confirm my decision.

During my stay in Ward B1 there was a staff shortage and the sister who had worked a 12-hour shift on my day there, came in the next morning at 8am to help out for a couple of hours and stayed there for over 4, knowing full well that she had another full evening shift.

She was greeted by a relative of a patient on the ward, who complained at the lack of care.

The sister was quite calm and advidsed the relative on how to make his complaint official.

She and the staff really did not deserve this criticism.

I was in a side ward and saw how well my room, bathroom, bed and all the equipment were cleaned with attention to detail.

The staff always used the anti-bacterial liquid.

I was sad to see some visitors coming into and going out of the ward ignoring this and I spoke to a few to point out this facility by the door.

I was released on the third day under the DOCS scheme and again the nurses called and were a great help to my recovery.

The physio team at the hospital just after my operation and since at the exercise classes at Russells Hall were a great encouragment.

I have not named anyone specifically, but to all concerned, thank you very much and well done!

Margaret Withington Kingswinford

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