Before having her knee replacement 78 year-old Rosemary Hawkins had never visited the Friarage Hospital.
But after undergoing major surgery there she has nothing but praise for the Northallerton hospital and for those who work in it.
Rosemary, from Marton, first met her consultant orthopaedic surgeon Tim Brock at Redcar Primary Care Hospital.
Mr Brock diagnosed her with severe osteoarthritis and discussed a number of treatment options including joint replacement.
It was then decided that before doing Rosemary’s hip Mr Brock would replace one of her knees so that she would be sturdier on her feet following her hip surgery.
“I’m a get-up-and-go kind of person,” said the retired warden. “I’ve always been a walker and I hate sitting down so I was happy to for my knee to be replaced first.
“I liked Mr Brock from the moment I met him, he’s lovely and makes you feel like he really cares.”
Rosemary was quickly booked in for her operation and before she knew it she was checking into the Friarage Hospital, where she had a short planned post-operative stay.
I’m over the moon with the treatment I received, it was superb. I can’t speak highly enough of the team at the Friarage. I will always be grateful; Mr Brock’s a top surgeon. As for the hospital, it was like a five star hotel. The food was great."
Rosemary Hawkins
Following her discharge Rosemary continued to do her physiotherapy at home and made great progress.
“I feel like I’ve got a whole new leg,” she said. “When I returned for my post-surgery check-up with Mr Brock I walked unaided without sticks, I think he was a bit surprised and impressed.”
What is next for Rosemary?
Rosemary has just returned to the Friarage Hospital for her hip surgery and then later down the line will return for her other knee replacement, which she is hoping will be done in time for her 80th birthday next year.