I was involved in my treatment at every step and encouraged by staff to ask questions which were answered thoroughly.
Recent feedback from our patients
My mother's knee replacement
I would like to say the NHS National Treatment Centre, Fife Orthopaedics have a wonderful consultant – Mr Rehman and staff who saw and operated (knee replacement) on my mother who is in her 80s.
From the first appointment my mum and myself felt very comfortable when meeting Mr Rehman. The building was immaculately clean, the staff were so nice also at all the departments, from entering the front door to domestics, saying hello and checking you’re okay when passing the room.
I was so impressed on the day of surgery that everybody came to see my mum before the operation, no moving to different rooms and getting changed into her gown we also done in the same room then up in the lift for the operation. I (her daughter) felt so comfortable leaving her.
We came from Edinburgh for her operation if we speak to anyone waiting on a knee replacement operation, we always say if you get offered Kirkcaldy Fife Orthopaedic Treatment Centre, go, as they are fantastic from beginning to end.
My mum just attended follow up appointment and is getting about well and has had such a lovely experience (operation) in the NHS. Thanks to all NHS staff all over Scotland as I know times are hard, but everyone of you do a brilliant job. On behalf of myself and my mum, thanks again to Mr Rehman and his team.
Edinburgh resident
Seeing both sides - a tale of emergency and planned surgery
Happily, most patients don’t get to visit both sides of our orthopaedic department. Either you perhaps broken a bone in an accident, or you need planned surgery for wear and tear. Unfortunately, for one patient, it was less straightforward. They tell their story below.
I recently fell down exterior steps at home (would that we had a support rail) and self presented to Victoria Hospital A&E.
After admission to the conveniently located Orthopaedic unit under the care of Mr Walmsley and the wonderful ward staff, I was advised that repair would take place the next day. I was sent home and contacted by phone that evening to present to the ward the following day for the repair to be completed.
This was completed and I stayed in the hospital orthopaedic ward overnight before discharge on the afternoon of the next day. Post-operative care and support was given and I attended regular outpatient and physiotherapy appointments with follow up exercises to do at home. All was well until I was struck from behind by two twirling labradors (one of which was my own) tussling over a large stick. I suffered extreme pain.
My wife to me to Kirkcaldy A&E again ain it was determined that the first repair had been ruptured! I then waited for the second repair to be completed. This was then done and the second recuperative period started. With ongoing therapy and consultations through 2023 it unfortunately became apparent that the repair was not progressing well.
The patella location had relocated through the healing process to a higher position than acceptable and full function was unfortunately not restored. Mr Walmsely determined that a third repair should be carried out, possible using cadaver tendon tissue and this was eventually completed within the splendid new facilities of the Orthopaedic NTC. As I write this record I am delighted with the results of this procedure. Knee functionality is gradually being fully restored and I am more and more confident that my knee will return to close to its pre-accident capabilities.
I write this account to advise that throughout this saga, I have been truly delighted with: the quality of care I have received; the level of professionalism and support exhibited by all staff regarding my care; the holistic care I have received from orthopaedic staff as well as physiotherapists; the clear communication given to me at all stages, and the positive outcome that is seemingly now being realised.
I would add that I think the Orthopaedic NTC now established, is a very positive addition to the care pathway locally. My experiences as a patient were very positive (from the rare perspective of experiencing both old and new facilities).
Many thanks
Patient
Long anticipated hip replacement
After a number of years waiting for a new hip, the day finally arrived recently. From the moment I arrived on the day of the operation, the staff at the NTC Kirkcaldy were fantastic. Not only were they professional but welcoming and pleased to help, the operation itself went great and the aftercare was exceptional.
I can't speak highly enough of those involved - from the nurses, doctors, administrators, physios, radiologists and porters. The operation itself was truly life changing. Big thanks to Mr Shenoy.
Had my left knee replaced in June this year at Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy by Mr Rehman based in the Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic. Since the operation I have had no pain, maybe a little discomfort for a short time and now I am able to walk easily and play a sport I enjoy no trouble.
I have to get my right knee replaced next and can’t wait to get the date for that one".
Hip replacement patient, Surgeon: Mr Shenoy
My right hip replacement
I went to the National Treatment Centre in Kirkcaldy to have my right hip replaced. I was extremely impressed with the system in place, I.e. I was taken to a room to have all the paperwork and safety pre checks to be completed and all the staff came to my room one after the other until all the necessary checks were completed. Then I was taken into theatre and my hip was replaced. I woke up in the ward and was met by other carers who looked after me for several hours and I went home that same afternoon.
All of the members of the team were brilliant, they were all excellent at carrying out their specific role, and I want to thank them all, the way they put me at ease throughout the day.
Some of those lovely people were Susan, Sassy and Andy in physio.
My sincere thanks to you all.
Recent hip replacement at the National Treatment Centre
I would like to record my appreciation of my experience there and express my thanks to the teams on duty whilst I was there and the surgical team led by Mr Shenoy. All the interactions I had were very positive stemming from the welcoming proficient and professional environment.
The atmosphere in the centre was calm and cheerful. The staff though under pressure at times, were caring and good natured carrying out their work in an inclusive way.
From Pre-op to discharge every stage was informed and explained clearly and opportunities to ask for further details were given, cirucmstances were explained fully and options and consequences were explored.
The actual prcedure itself, judging by the outcome so far must have been as exceptional as the staff. I cannot think of anything that should have been done better. I enjoyed the choice and the standard of food too. My sincere thanks to all concerned".
Posted by Lothian Fit for surgery on behalf of the patient
Surgeon: Mr Shenoy
If there are any people that are awaiting surgery and are a bit worried about getting any procedure done, I can say don’t, as the whole NTC from the minute you arrive until you go home you are well taken care of.
Feedback
If you would like to share your treatment story with us to help others that may be going through a similar journey to you, you can do this via our Care Opinion form.