When 67-year-old Mark Somerset from Dronfield Woodhouse was told he would be the 40,000th patient to receive a joint replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, he couldn’t quite believe it.
“I was honoured to be the 40,000th joint replacement patient – the operation has given me my life back.”
Mark Somerset, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
After struggling with hip pain for more than a year, he says his surgery has “given him his life back” – and he’s already back to walking comfortably and planning his next holiday.
Mark says: “I was really surprised when the team told me I was the 40,000th patient – I had no idea! They presented me with a lovely hamper before I went home, which was such a kind gesture. It made me feel really proud to be part of something special.
“I’d been having hip pain on and off for about 18 months. At first, I tried various things through my GP to ease it, but nothing really worked. Eventually, I was referred to the musculoskeletal service, and from there to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough. Once that happened, everything moved very quickly. I was seen and had my operation within three months, which was a huge relief.
“The pain had started to interfere with my everyday life. I work for myself, visiting companies to assess their drivers, and I was struggling to get in and out of HGV cabs. It was also affecting our holidays because my wife and I love sightseeing and walking, but I couldn’t keep up anymore. I realised it was time to do something about it.
“From the moment I arrived at the hospital, the staff were fantastic. Everyone was friendly, professional and reassuring. Mr Ferenc Toth, my surgeon, was excellent, and the nurses and physiotherapy team were brilliant too.”
Mark Somerset, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
“From the moment I arrived at the hospital, the staff were fantastic. Everyone was friendly, professional and reassuring. Mr Ferenc Toth, my surgeon, was excellent, and the nurses and physiotherapy team were brilliant too. I was due to go home the same day, but because of another health condition, Mr Toth kept me overnight for extra antibiotics. It was all handled really well – and even the food was good!
“Now, just a few weeks later, I’m walking for 30 minutes a day, keeping up with my physio, and feeling stronger all the time. The difference is incredible. It’s so nice to be pain-free again, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying walks with my wife and our dog – and to a pain-free Christmas and New Year together.
“I can’t thank Mr Toth and the whole team enough. Everything about Barlborough hospital has been first class – from the care and kindness of the Practice Plus Group staff to the efficiency of the whole process. I’d recommend them to anyone.”
