Wrightington Hospital 2015-03-25 Person 5 5 0

I had a total knee replacement operation on Friday 13th March; it went well. I was treated with great respect and dignity throughout at a time when I was, to say the least, a little anxious. The surgeon and rest of the medical team were reassuring and professional leaving me in no doubt I was in the right place with the right people. I remain of that view. Of course, a hospital stay is not just about the surgery (in this case). There are a vast swathe of people, seen and unseen who help make the stay what is is. I'd like to say a few words about them, firstly the nursing staff. I want to split the nursing staff into two categories, day shift and night shift staff. The day shift staff were simply amazing. They were friendly, approachable and supportive at all times in all circumstances. Nothing was too much trouble to them and yet they were clearly very busy. I'm lost in admiration for them. I can say the same for the majority of night shift staff. Unfortunately however, there were a few who were, well, awful! They did not make me feel comfortable, they ignored calls for help from fellow patients and made so much noise I thought on one occasion (when it woke me up), I was in the middle of a busy office! Want to know the worst bit? I was feeling quite vulnerable because I couldn't move my leg, but I felt I didn't want to disturb them as they didn't make me feel safe. Now, I imagine there's a whole group of people that get overlooked in feedback of this nature. However, it would be quite remiss of me not to mention them. They are the cleaners, the volunteer staff and the caterers. The ward, washrooms and other areas were cleaned thoroughly every day. I've never seen such standards - the one lady I saw most got into every nook and cranny whether she was sweeping and mopping the floor or wiping down a bed. She's a credit to the hospital. The volunteer staff were wonderful. Always happy with a cheery word or two, nothing was too much for them - made me look forward to seeing them every morning. Likewise, the catering staff. It can't be easy providing nutritious meals to so many people each and every day, yet they managed it with me. The food was always hot/warm and tasty and the portion sizes just right. Certainly helped keep me in good form. Finally, I'd very much like to say how impressed I was with all the administrative staff I came into contact with before, during and after my operation. They have all been courteous, knowledgeable and pleasant to communicate with whenever I've needed to contact the hospital. In conclusion, Wrightington Hospital is, from my point of view, a hospital getting it right (despite Government interference in the NHS and dare I say it, too much management!).