Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre

From the outset I wanted to have my hip replacement carried out at Shepton Mallett as I was aware of the hospitals good reputation. I am glad to say I was not disappointed. Every step of the way I felt I was looked after during the whole process from the pre admission phase through to the big day itself. On the day of surgery I had some pre op nerves but these quickly passed as everything was explained in detail by the various staff members so by the time I went into surgery I felt relaxed and more to the point, ready. I had a spinal anaesthetic and having never had one before, found this a new experience but with no problems. Previously I have had a general anaesthetic and found the spinal version a much better experience as the anaesthetic continues to act as pain relief for a number of hours without all the usual side effects of a general anaesthetic, such as feeling sick. I was given a sedative on top of the spinal anaesthetic and was also given music to listen too. I felt aware of what was going on up to a point but felt no pain what so ever and could not feel or see anything. Due to the sedative I dont think I really cared either so its probably a good job everyboby checked prior to the op as to which side was being operated on just to be sure. Coming out of surgery I was well looked after and spent about 30 mins in recovery before being moved back onto the ward which was a room for two people. Once back on the ward the level of care continued at a very high standard. Now heres the thing, I did experience some pain and discomfort for the first 24 hrs but this was managed well by the staff both during the day and night. The next day things started to get better where the pain was concerned and it just got easier from there onwards The pain turned into more of a discomfort. I have had problems with allot of swelling on the whole of my left leg since my op for the last two weeks but have kept using ice packs and elevating both legs when sitting and lying down which has done the job as the swelling has gone now. The key to all of this is the part the physio excercises play in the recovery stage. If you opt for Shepton you will be given plenty of information in advance of surgery regarding the exercises you will need to do each and every day which gradually increase after the first two weeks. I continue to do my daily excercises averaging 4 x sets of bed excercises and 2 x sets of standing excercises as per the instuctions issued, plus regular walking. I am now up to about a 40 minute walk a day with a view to increasing the walking time week on week. Its now been 17 days since my hip op and I am already seeing the benefits. I have greater movement and being pain free when I walk is a bonus compared to the problems I had prior to my op. I am now using one crutch for support which works for me. In short, I would highly recommend Shepton Mallett Treatment Centre to anyone one in need of hip surgery.

Six weeks ago I had a hip replacement at the Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre. It is a place that works very efficiently. One of the very noticeable things is that the staff at all levels communicate very effectively. Very much a team. I feel lucky to have had the professional services of this facility. I was nervous about my operation, my first for many years. But, I was really well looked after, with every step explained. All the nurses from pre-op, theatre nurses and post op, were friendly, to the point and efficient. I enjoyed the pre-op banter with my anaesthetist who had a unique sense of humour. I was also pleased to have an honest and open pre-op discussion with my surgeon setting realistic expectations. Post op, the nursing staff appeared and disappeared like ghosts every 2 hours. The change in my wellbeing while in their care for the next couple of days was remarkable. I was able to leave after lunch on the 3rd day of my stay. My thanks to all the staff, including the radiology, physio team and the catering staff who provided very welcome meals of a very good standard. But, in particular, I’d like to thank my surgeon without whose expertise I wouldn’t have the comfort and mobility I now experience I had a follow up visit yesterday confirming all is well, and I look forward to playing golf again!. I would recommend this Centre to anyone.

Reply from Care UK
Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:15:38 +0100

Thank you for taking the time to post a comment regarding the treatment you have received with us. At Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, we aim to provide high quality patient focused care and recognise the importance of ensuring our patients are suitably informed and involved in their treatment plan, so it was lovely to hear that we have succeeded in that aim and that you have been satisfied with the care and support we have provided. Thank you so much for your recommendation. We hope you continue to make good progress with your recovery and that you are back on the golf course again soon! Kind regards Trudy Craig BA (Hons) Humanities, Registered Nurse Patient Quality and Safety Manager T : 01749 333743 Trudy.Craig@careuk.com

This hospital is amazing,starting from being assessed with the surgeon,who was very thorough and very polite,my mind was put at rest from the moment I met him,asking me if I would like to have a hysterectomy, and that they could do it through the vagina.The nurses were very helpful and kind I was treated like someone special. When I came in for my pre-op again treated like I was the only patient, my operation was booked I felt so at ease,the consultant escorted me to the theatre with my arm in his,it was lovely,everyone including the nurses were lovely they had a conversation with me and I felt amazing. The operation went well, I was given pain relief when ever I needed it,I felt as though I was in a 5star hotel.Il loved the fact the consultant came to see me and the anesthetis ,they were both really polite and said it was a pleasure meeting me.,I am in awe of the service I was given,this was the second time I had surgery,I also had a replacement hip,again the same sort of service,your nurses , doctors, surgeons,and other staff are a credit to your hospital and the N H S,Thank you