"orthopedics at Great Western Hospital, Swindon"

I can't praise the othopedic team in Swindon enough. I was seen by a consultant within 2 weeks of first seeing my GP with a problem. Every clinic ran on time and I was given plenty of time and attention. When tests and scans were needed I had appointments within days and was even called between Christmas and New Year to see how I was coping with my pain.

I couldn't have my surgery in Swindon as I needed a very specialist operation and only a handful of surgeons are trained in the procedure, however as soon as my need was identified a referal was made, with no problems over funding. I ended up going to London for surgery, but couldn't have asked for more care and attention in Swindon.

The only things I would change are the awful parking situation - I couldn't get a bus it was far to painful and no bus goes directly from my house and there was never a parking space. I ended up having to get cabs which cost a fortune. I also was surpried to find out when I needed hydrotherapy post op, this isn't availble on the NHS in Swindon. I was able to use the hydrotherapy pool run by a charity, which was great, but you do have to pay a small contribution and no physios are available to prescribe exercises and speak to. The staff at the pool were great and do what they can, but some may not be able to pay for this treatment and I really could have done with a physio for advice. Why let the fantastic service down by not providing this vital rehab service on the NHS?