14th October 2007
Dear Most Eminent Surgeon,
What an extraordinary coincidence that I should receive your letter yesterday, delayed by the strike(!), as I was about to write to let you know how my knee was, one year after your surgery.
I will cover your points first:
In sum. I think you have a hospital in which it really is a pleasure to be treated; the facilities are outstanding; the staff at every level treat one with courtesy, respect and humour while being quite form, and that is not an easy balance to achieve. But above all the medical treatment is exemplary.
Now turning to (my) progress since we last met. Throughout the summer I swam twice a day using both breast-stroke and crawl, the former I had not been able to do with any degree of comfort for some time. Riding my bicycle every day clearly loosened the knee over time and it (is) now back to as near normal as possible. Four hours' mowing, full rounds of golf and crisp walking present no problems at all. Unlike many others that have had knee replacements I can kneel down without difficulty. In fact the only problem is that I do not have a problem. The consequence of which being that I sometimes do something that the knee does not like, digging in the garden or climbing trees for example.
All in all I am incredibly pleased with the results and of course the success is entirely due to your expertise, for which I shall always be grateful.
My very best wishes to you and all your staff.
Yours sincerely
Mr B.R., Sleaford, Lincolnshire
14th October 2007
Dear Mr Shair
It may seem strange - not to say extraordinary, for someone to say they have had the privilege and indeed the pleasure of submitting themselves for Surgery in your care but I have had that pleasure twice since 1997 and I can vouch for it sincerely.
In both cases I was given an appointment without hesitation or involving any undue delay, having regard to your busy schedule. This was done efficiently, pleasantly and curteously by your Secretary. It was done speedily and without fuss. I, and others I have recommended, have all been impressed with your method of conducting consultations and the resultant conclusions together with how you propose to proceed. Everyone has had a confidence booster as a result.
Upon arrival at the hospital I was impressed with the way your Office Staff were at pains to make me feel confortable. The warmth and friendliness of everyone helped to dispel any feeling of apprehension. A welcome cup of Tea or Coffee was appreciated especially at such an early hour.
Your administrative staff were very efficient and the Invoice for the complete procedure, including various miscellaneous items, was produced in a timely fashion. Settlement was conducted quickly and confidentially.
The kindness and consideration of both the Day Staff and Night Nurses etc. was a real comfort with injections etc., administered quickly and expertly. Frequent checks to ensure nothing was required or desired helped one to feel assured and pampered. Cleanliness was constantly at the forefront of everyone's mind as exhibited by frequent hand washing and other checks. Staff could not do enough to ensure I was comfortable and pain-free - as indeed I was. I had to comment that I had not experienced ONE SECOND of Pain as a result of the whole procedure from the moment I succumbed to the anaesthetic, right up to my departure for Home! It was the most remarkable experience I have ever had in around a dozen trips I have made to the operating theatre in my life, so far. Meals were well prepared and presented and the Chef was most accommodating and keen to satisfy any preferences.
I would have no hesitation whatever in unhesitatingly and thoroughly recommending the Orthopaedics & Spine Specialist Hospital to anyone.
A I would recommend YOU in particular as unquestionably the finest Orthopaedic & Spine Specialist Surgeon in Practice, anywhere in the World! Other I have recommended have expressed how grateful they are to you for your skill and expertise which has led to them leading normal lives again. I add my own to theirs!
Please feel free to use my recommendation in any way you consider suitable.
Mr A.J. Marsden, Peterborough
12th October 2007
Dear Mr Shair
It gives me great pleasure to respond to your letter.
The speed with which my appointment was arranged was within 2 weeks. As I was in much pain and discomfort this was a relief. My admittance into hospital was equally swift. Therefore my suffering was over fast.
When I had my initial consultation, you put me at ease and went through my procedure and after care in great detail. At all times I was treated as if I was the only person that mattered. All the staff treated me with respect and gave details of what was happening. This was also true on the phone.
My treatment was paid for by my insurance company so I did not have to be troubled with this and this was one less thing for me or my family to deal with.
Whilst in Hospital, the nursing staff were second to none. They thought ahead and did not wait to be asked or told of any of my needs. This I found very reassuring for staff to have this level of commitment. The room itself was very comfortable and the decor pleasant and restful. I enjoyed the meals which were well prepared and presented, on par with some of the top eating establishments.
I have no hesitation in recommending you and the Hospital.
Yours sincerely
Mrs C.E.B., Orton Longueville, Peterborough
Dear Mr Shair
As a recent patient I am please to offer my opinions.
After 3 years of fighting to be believed and then to get an appointment, I was relieved to see you and have my operation within 5 weeks. Firstly you treated me as someone who was in great pain. You then allayed my fear of history repeating itself by taking me through the possible causes of my mother's unfortunate health. You told me the truth and then informed me of the operation and after care.
I was also pleased to come into hospital on the day of the operation. During this time I was visited by various secretarial/office staff, who were all very friendly and helpful. The reception staff were just as pleasant.
The nurses were second to none. They anticipated before events happened seemed to know when I needed things to be done. They were extremely professional as well as being friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. I asked all about the operation itself and the Clincial Lead came and explained in great detail.
The hospital is clean, bright and friendly. The food and the chef are excellent. I was sorry that I could not always do the food the justice it deserved.
My overall impression was one of a lot of people all working as a team. This give one confidence. I would have no hesitation in recommending the OSHH to anyone.
It just remains for me to thank you for giving me back my life. I am pain free and steadily getting back to normal.
Yours sincerely
Mrs C.E.B., Orton Longueville, Peterborough
12th October 2007
Dear Mr Shair
Thank you for the interesting and informative lecture you gave last night. It was excellent.
It would be very useful to have accompanying notes as suggested by Alan Smylski as thy seemed so concise and logical. Of course the wonderful Kate was very efficient, it always helps to have such helpful people around you don't you think?
Yours sincerely
David Longstaff D.O.
Registered Osteopath, Peterborough
P.S. Liked the Progress Report, clear and to the point!
Nil infection rate and nil mortality rate is
outstanding!
24th September 2007
Dear Mr Shair
It is now six weeks since I had my operation for decompression of the spine, and as advised by you, I returned to work last week. I have no significant pain and very little discomfort and I feel as if you have given me back my life which had been on hold for some months.
As well as wanting to thank you, I would also like to comment on the treatment as a whole. I have been a health professional for forty six years, working both in the hospital environment and in the community. My current role, as a Community Matron, is to ensure the highest standards of nursing care is given to patients by myself and more junior colleagues.
My experience in your hospital would lead me to believe that you have established an excellent facility. The hospital is obviously designed for the purpose and is extremely well planned and operated. The nursing standards are of a very high quality and extremely professional and I would be grateful if you would pass on my comments to all your staff. Also, should you require and further written support of recommendation, I should be only too pleased to oblige.
Yours faithfully
Mrs M.O.C, Peterborough