Hi folks,
I've not been around much since February when I snapped my ACL skiing.
But I have not been idle.
We had already booked a September Skedaddle tour in Provence - including a climb up Mt Ventoux. So I turned down my consultant's offer of a private op "in a couple of weeks" and opted to keep our holiday plans for France and a Spring driving tour in Scotland.
Hence, my Spring and Summer was spent first of all rehabbing from the injury, then pre-habbing for the operation. Three or four days a week in the gym mobilising the joint then building up the muscle to do the job of the missing ACL. Then lots of cycling specific gym work before getting out on the road again -and oh! that was just soooooo nice!
Skipping the middle bit of the Summer...
Vicky and I, with Graham and Gill Holder, did the Skedaddle trip. But Ventoux lived up to its name and 2km from the top we were turned around as wind was gusting at 120kph at the summit. Shame but we will try again next year. Skedaddle, by the way were fantastic. Our second tour with them - flawless service each time. We recommend them.
Which neatly brings me to the purpose of this Blog Post.
I had my NHS op a week ago at SWLEOC (South West London Elective Orthopaedic Center) @ Epsom Hospital. An NHS centre of excellence dealing only in Elective Surgery, an alternative name for them might be "New Hips and Knees R US".
Now, given that most of us Wayfarers are of an age when new hips and knees are a distinct possibility I thought my views on their service might be helpful.
One every measure. From first referral. Through consultant appointment (my choice of consultant who specialises in ACLs). To pre visits to SWLEOC. To the operation itself.
On every possible measure I rate the service I received 10/10 - there was nothing I could have asked to be better.
The warmth and friendliness of every staff member I interacted with was real and touching. Every Medic who dealt with me, simply oozed competence and empathy.
Would that every part of the NHS were the same, but without reservation of any form, I am happy to recommend SWLEOC.
Happy Cycling, and see some of you at the Xmas Lunch.
Paul Kelly
1 comment:
Great news Paul. I'm doubly glad - that you had a good experience, and it's great to hear your praise of the NHS. My experience has been similarly excellent, so they must be doing some things right!
Looking forward to welcoming you out again on Wednesdays just as soon as you are ready.
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