Testimonial
I would like to share my experience of having a total knee replacement. I can’t say enough about the support I received Dr Ragu and his staff it was first class also a big thank you everyone who attended me on Ward 4 at Hartlepool and the follow up service at the orthopaedics in Hartlepool the service is first class. I would without a doubt recommend all my friends and family if they need any kind of body replacement to choose Hartlepool.
“Charlotte”
I had a hip replacement at Hartlepool hospital the operation was carried out by Mr Sidaginamale and his team I can not praise them enough the care and attention is second to none even down to the nurses who look after you after the operation was brilliant keep up the good work.
“CAZZY ”
I would like to take this opportunity to share my experiences of care during the last few years as my physical health deteriorated due to arthritis of the right hip. Prior to my care being taken over by Mr. Sidaginamale in September 2021, I’m afraid I can only say the standard of care deteriorated to poor. I felt judged, dismissed, invisible and one professional even inferred my pain was imaginary (or psychological). As a psychiatric nurse of 35 years experience I cannot begin to explain how offensive I found this accusation. I have worked with numerous patients experiencing somatic delusions, conversion reactions, hypochondriasis, Munchausen’s and Munchausen’s by proxy. I could not believe that my pain was being categorised somewhere within one of those conditions. Having no-one to turn to about my deteriorating abilities, I would have been relieved to have gone to bed one night and just not woken up. No dramas, just an end to the pain. I had to stop working and let my nursing registration lapse despite still being very effective as a nurse. This was another loss to assimilate.
In desperation I spoke to a lovely hospital secretary who arranged a much earlier appointment for a review of my condition. Mr. Sidaginamale took over my care and my life took a positive 180 degree turn. The need for a hip operation was acknowledged, planned and, executed with the utmost level of care and professionalism. I was admitted to Hartlepool Hospital in January 2022 for surgery. A full team of professionals had turned out on a Saturday to help provide operations for people whose treatment had been delayed by COVID. It was very impressive and even humbling that so many people gave up their personal and family time for the sake of others. Ward staff amazed me with their level of commitment, tolerance, pleasant manner and patience. They were attentive, aware of changes in your condition and supportive of your level of ability whilst also providing motivation to be appropriately independent.
Each day I am thankful for their care and skills. I have nothing but respect for all staff involved in the care I received which has transformed my life again and this includes the ward domestic who maintained standards I have not seen in any care establishment since 1986 when I worked in old Winterton Asylum. She was an amazing lady. Thorough, clearly dedicated, proud of her work and not ashamed of maintaining a hygienic environment.
Ultimately though, my care experience was turned around totally by Mr. Sidaginamale who demonstrated professional standards and excellent skills in his practice and communications throughout. I believe him to be a fair, ethical practitioner who has not lost contact with the ultimate reason for working within healthcare. Most impressive and very grateful to him.
I have shared my personal experience as I did not feel hospital feedback sheets gave the opportunity to express the high standards of care experienced nor the gratitude I feel towards all involved in my care. (I’m not even sure this statement has.)
“Maureen”
I have recently had major surgery to my knee, having undergone a complete knee replacement carried out by Mr Sidaginamale at Hartlepool Hospital. The surgery was complex as it involved taking out an artificial knee previously put in many years ago, and replacing it with a new artificial knee as well as building up the surrounding area of the knee and ligaments. Prior to the operation, I was unable to walk or drive, due to the severe pain and instability of my knee, this had a real impact on my health not only physically but mentally. After seeing Mr Sidaginamale he agreed that, despite my age, the only option for me was to have this operation due to the severity of the breakdown of the knee and joints/ligaments around it.
I cannot begin to say how much this operation has changed me, I am now only 9 weeks since the operation and already I am walking around unaided in my home and only require one walking stick when I am out and about. I know I have a long way to go as Mr Sidaginamale advised me that it was a long recovery, but I am very grateful for the chance that Mr Sidaginamale has given me, as I know it was an expensive operation and my age was against me.I would also like to say that the nurses, doctors and staff of Ward 4 were excellent and could not do enough for me during my stay.
“Kenneth”
I had an appointment in Orthopaedic Outpatients yesterday and I just had to let you know how wonderful everyone was. My appointment was initially booked for 2:45 but I received a call asking me if I could come a little bit earlier. I managed to get there for around 11. My Consultant, Mr Sidaginamale, was incredibly charming and professional. The nursing team were wonderful and kind. The whole experience was fabulous. I would like to say a massive thank you to the whole team
“ANONYMOUS”
Today I had the pleasure of seeing my hero and his team.Mr Raghavendra Sidaginamale. I really cannot speak highly enough of the care and professionalism of both himself and his team. From first meeting Mr Sidaginamale ‘re hip complaint his ,compassionate and easy understandable explanations regarding my options were and indeed much appreciated . My operation for a total hip replacement went ahead at North Tees hospital .Again I cannot praise the outstanding treatment I received from arriving at the hospital till indeed I left ,from all staff .
Mr Sidaginamale certainly made me at ease and in full knowledge of what would happen thoughout the full procedure ,and indeed he wasn’t wrong .
The physiotherapist who came to my house two weeks after the operation couldn’t get over how high the standard was of the scar ,indeed she said she’d never seen one so good .Praise indeed . After many years of pain I can’t say how lovely it is to be pain free and looking forward to enjoying each day as it comes and all down to the dedication and skill of Mr Sidaginamale . Indeed my neighbours whom have taken great pleasure of me walking past their homes have commented Joan you are a walking advertisement for the surgeon whom operated on you .What greater accolade could anyone ask for.
” JOAN”
I would like to provide some feedback about the care and service I received recently in July. I cannot thank the team highly enough and I just wanted to share my experience.
Both my knees have been very bad for many years, probably for about 6 years. I went too long before I did anything about them, I just wanted to carry on working. I went to see the consultant and had x rays – both looked in pretty bad shape. The Consultant asked which one I wanted done first and I said the right knee as that was the one that was worse for me. So I was listed for surgery. However, in the meantime, I noticed my left knee was becoming more of a problem. About 3 weeks before my operation was scheduled we were on a holiday in Edinburgh, when my left knee gave way as I was getting out of bed and I really struggled to walk or use that knee for the several weeks before my operation. I contacted the Consultant and he had another look at my most recent x rays, and he told me both were about the same as each other, so I could actually swap my knee to be operated on. I thought that was marvellous and so flexible. I really felt the Consultant really involved me in my care and we discussed what would be better for me. His name was Raghavendra Sidaginamale.
I had my operation at University Hospital of Hartlepool on the Thursday, and I was out on the Saturday. It went so smoothly and was so quick and efficient but also everyone was so kind and caring, from the Consultant to the nurses and support staff. The ward staff were truly fantastic.
When I had my dressings taken off I was then able to start physio. I go to the team at Sedgefield and they have helped me to get up and about. I am feeling so much stronger and mobile, I really can’t wait to have my right knee done now! I will have no reservations about coming in for surgery again! I hope it will be soon as I am now getting on with my life.
” SR”
I had a total hip replacement, the surgery was carried out by Mr Raghavendra Sidaginamale and I would like to say he did an amazing job from our first meeting when he told me I needed a replacement, he was very good answering all my questions and explaining everything, I wanted to know exactly how the parts worked and fitted together and he was really good explain it all, On the day of surgery I was a bit nervous but the team at the access lounge were very good and I soon relaxed. The surgery was fine no issues at all, I was taken back to the ward after an assessment and the staff were really good I felt relaxed and they were always at hand checking in and asking if I was ok. The ward was quiet and I was able to sleep no problem. The next day I met the physical therapist who give me two arm crutches and showed me how to get out of bed, I walked along the ward over steps I felt amazing pain free for the first time in years even at this early stage I knew this was going to change my quality of life and it has.
Once home I stayed with my sister for 2 weeks I was a little stiff for the first 2 days but was pain free and taking no pain relief, on day 3 I went for a walk outside and the hip felt great, I continued walking everyday, once I had the dressing removed at day 12 I was given one stick which was much better, I was very happy with the scar it’s not as big as expected and very neat. I am now at week 13 I feel amazing I’ve been back in the gym since week 6 but just swimming now I’m using weight machines step machine and swimming I’ve also started riding my bike everyday and walking as far as I used to all pain free. I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff at Hartlepool University hospital you were amazing and a special thanks to Mr Raghavendra Sidaginamale you did a fantastic job my new hip has far exceeded my expectations I’m like a new man Thank you. In future if I do need my other hip replaced I will be hoping he can do it.
Once again thank you all.
“Anthony”