Thank you so much for visiting our Arthrose Appeal page.

My story goes back over 20 years to when my Nan was forced into early retirement through three forms of debilitating arthritis.  As time progressed and through supporting Nan, I've encountered both Trauma & Orthopaedics at various occasions over the last 14 years.  Last Summer, she underwent her 13th arthritis-related operation, the most recent being a total right hip replacement.  For various reasons, although being a “frequent customer” to the department through various other joint replacements, she was particularly intimidated and worried about the outcome of this procedure and with the surgeon who performed her opposite-side hip replacement 3½ years previous to this having retired, this added to her worry.  Despite not being able to afford private treatment and therefore choose who would treat her, I said I would get to work and try and get her who she felt most at ease with, which is Mr Andrew Dunn.  Mr Dunn has previously treated my Nan for her total right knee replacement in 2005, and fortunately for us, was the on-call trauma surgeon when she broke her arm at home 3 weeks before she was originally due to have her left hip replacement just over 4 years ago.  Having felt particularly reassured and at ease with all aspects of Mr Dunn’s care and his team, I wrote to him and asked if he would consider taking on Nan’s case for her right hip and was absolutely bowled over when he agreed to do so, knowing how much this would help my Nan’s peace of mind in the long term.  Although the procedure in itself has been a success, and she continues to make slow improvement, she has had various minor post-operative complications resulting in frequent monthly/twice-monthly visits to clinic where we are greeted with absolutely first-class on-going service by the department, and particularly by Mr Dunn and John McRoberts, his nurse practitioner.   Whilst my Nan has been the main benefactor of the department, my Dad also had a total right hip replacement just before Christmas and my late Aunt was also treated by Mr Dunn for her total right knee replacement in 2006.

This is just a snap-shot of my reasons for wanting to give something substantial back and particularly in recognition for the outstanding treatment that Mr Dunn and his team have given to us as a family, although mainly to my Nan, over the last few months and years.  We are hoping this will be the last of her procedure list.  I feel that, alongside the outstanding efforts of other departments, Orthopaedics really make a difference to the day-to-day lives of not just those who become cared for by the department for short-term injuries (such as fractures) but particularly for those with long-term debilitating conditions, such as arthritis and the skilled work these people do on a daily basis really make positive life-changing effects for the patients under the care.  The ability to take a situation full of pain and suffering and effectively replace that with a new joint that means free of pain and in many cases, pain-relieving drugs, is simply remarkable.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing team of Orthopaedic specialists at the West Suffolk Hospital and having been hugely inspired to give something back as a result of the tremendous care and treatment they provide, I hope that you will be able to give as little or as much as you wish to this very worthy and unique appeal.