Friendliest place

However, when my left hip began to deteriorate, I researched as much as I could about having a new hip; deciding between the ‘old’ more invasive hip joint replacement surgery, versus the newer, less traumatic – and with a much speedier recovery – minimally invasive hip surgery.

My own NHS hospital in Ashford, Kent, stated that they still adhered to the older type of surgery. And so, back online I went, until I found the website for Mr James Lewis, consultant at Goring Hall Hospital. The impressive video on his site shows a post-op hip patient walking up and down, with, then without a stick, on days one and two. The older method may well require patients using crutches for a good month, in comparison. Also, as less muscle is cut-through post op’ pain is less.

I also liked the fact that Mr Lewis works for himself, with the result that, from the minute one enters Goring Hall for the first consultation, he assured us that he could operate in two weeks or so.

Lesley, his reassuring PA, kindly found me a holiday-let flat to stay in, before and after surgery, at The Ramblers, South Strand, East Preston.

After undergoing a thorough pre-operation check-up, I was operated on, almost two weeks later. Mr Lewis’ highly-trained team of nurses (and chatty theatre porter) whizzed me, like Alice in Wonderland, through their seamless, perfectly planned and executed operation day.

As a now-retired, work-injured nurse, left with persistent pain syndrome, I have frequently experienced adequate NHS care, most of the time. However, my decision to go private was made possible because my recently deceased, beloved brother had left me sufficient funds to pay for the surgery.

I am so happy to have made that decision. I didn’t see why I should have to endure more pain and suffering and a much longer time rehabilitating if I had had no option but to have to have the much more invasive, older type of hip surgery within the NHS. I could have waited for an NHS ‘Choose & Book’ choice referral to Mr Lewis, but I had had enough and simply wished to be operated on ASAP.

Absolutely everyone I have had the pleasure to meet, from the staff at the Kingsway Hotel, to all the good neighbours at The Ramblers, to Angmering Station Taxis (who have ferried me, almost daily, to and from Goring Hall Hospital and, later, to hydrotherapy sessions at Virgin Active), to all the physiotherapy team, and, last but not least: Twinkle And Danny, at South Strand’s Seaview grocery store, I cannot say enough about how kind and helpful everyone has been. It must be the friendliest village in the UK.

Rose Murphy

Kent

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