It’s such a relief
Jean Jones talks about having a shoulder operation at Newham Hospital, having had it cancelled previously because of Covid-19.
Jean Jones, 80, has osteoarthritis. Six years ago, she had an operation to replace one of her hips. A couple of years later, she was due to have her shoulder fixed, followed by a second hip operation.
“It was supposed to be hip, shoulder, hip”, explains Jean. “But my second hip got so bad that they decided to do that first. I had my second hip replacement operation in November 2019 and was due to have my shoulder operation as soon as I healed from that.”
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan. Covid-19 hit and hospitals across the UK, including Newham Hospital had to cancel planned elective surgeries like Jean’s.
“Naturally I was disappointed and a bit upset. My shoulder was giving me pain and I had hoped to have it fixed soon let rather than later. But at the same time, of course I understood why it couldn’t go ahead”, Jean continues.
Since early 2020, two attempts have been made to reschedule Jean’s operation but sadly on both accounts they had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.
Jean was again disappointed but very understanding. “This year has been such a hard one for everyone but particularly for people who work in the NHS. They have coped so well with everything that has been thrown at them and I don’t for a second begrudge my operation date being moved.”
Now, over a year and a half later, Jean has had her shoulder operation at The Gateway Surgical Centre at Newham Hospital.
“I’m thrilled to have had the operation”, says Jean. “It’s such a relief and I can’t wait to reap the benefits of it”. She continues, “I can’t thank the staff at Newham Hospital enough. They have been so kind, caring and attentive to me before, during and after my surgery. I’m so very grateful to them for what they have done for me this last week.”
Tune in to BBC London tonight to hear more about elective surgeries at Newham Hospital and Barts Health. You might even catch a glimpse of Jean!