Share review of Mount Alvernia Hospital - part of Circle Health Group

Mount Alvernia Hospital - part of Circle Health Group 2019-11-25 Person 5 5 0

Throughout my recent experience as an outpatient and inpatient for knee replacement at Mt Alvernia, all the staff (including the porters, cleaners and catering staff) were wonderful - professional, caring, friendly, cheerful, interested and helpful. |They made my operation far less intimidating and stressful as I felt I was in excellent hands throughout, which in turn made my stay as pleasant as possible. The nurse who carried out the pre operation assessment the week before was exceptionally good and paid attention to every detail of my tests, briefed me on what to expect from the operation and how I would feel etc. The accommodation was excellent and the food was varied, interesting, well prepared and presented and very appetising, though more than I could manage. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff even over the weekend and at night. I have only one negative comment that is disappointing, which I believe should be passed back to Mt Alvernia hospital. About a week after the operation and after discharge, my original wound dressing began to peel off a little and looked as if it might leak before I was scheduled to have the clips removed. My physio and I decided my consultant should look at it and make the decision re possibly replacing the dressing. I booked a "nurse led" outpatient appointment at Mt Alvernia during the consultant's clinic so that he could have a quick look at the dressing. I explained all this to the nurse I saw. To my surprise, she immediately removed the dressing before the consultant could see it. Fortunately he found the wound was in a good state and instructed her to redress the wound. The nurse had to go and find a suitable dressing which to me looked extremely inadequate for the job, considering it had to last another week. It certainly was not of the same quality as the original and in no way shower proof or water resistant. The nurse said they didn't stock dressings as good as the original. She had difficulty putting it on properly and had to use another matching dressing for a second attempt, which was uncomfortable and pulled at the wound. I persevered with this dressing for 2 days, when it too started to peel and the gauze was no longer adequate to contain the fluid from the wound. I therefore booked to see the NHS nurse at my local surgery and she replaced the dressing which lasted the 4 days until the clips were removed. I was charged £26.70 by BMI for the nurse led 10 minute appointment and am taking the matter up as I don't think I should have been charged. I am surprised Mt Alvernia do not stock adequate dressings for a total knee replacement wound, even if consultants are reluctant to change dressings because of risk of infection. When I was discharged I was told I could shower by the staff, as I had done whilst an inpatient. However, the nurse who redressed the wound said I must not shower. My consultant said I could, presumably because he thought I would be given a waterproof dressing. I hope this is helpful.