Hartlepool health team praised as '˜a credit to the NHS'

The Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Rob Cook along his Mayoress Brenda with their daughter Debra Caden who is a member of the homeward joint replacement team.

And it came from Hartlepool Borough Council’s Counillor Rob Cook as he made a return visit to the unit where he had received excellent care.

Coun Cook underwent two joint replacement operations at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Rob Cook along his Mayoress Brenda with Linda Wildberg (matron).

He always wanted to say thanks for the treatment he received while he was a patient - and he did it in person.

The Mayor of Hartlepool, along with the Mayoress Mrs Brenda Cook, visited the elective care unit and found out how it worked.

They met with the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust chairman Paul Garvin who introduced them to the general manager for elective care, Rowena Dean.

They were also introduced to the orthopaedic consultant Rajiv Limaye.

The Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Rob Cook talking to Paul Garvin, chairman of the NorthTees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

They were then given a tour of the journey that an elective patient would take through the hospital.

It started at the access lounge, continued through to the operating theatres, and then ended in the joint replacement unit.

While he was there, Coun Cook got to meet with ward matron Linda Wildberg as well as her staff.

His visit also gave him the chance to talk to patients on the ward.

Mr Rajiv Limaye (consultant) (left) with The Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Rob Cook.

Chairman Paul Garvin was delighted to show Coun Cook around.

He said: “It was a pleasure to be able to give Coun Cook a tour of the ward and to talk to him about his own personal experience under the care of staff here. This is a ward where patients are cared for who are recovering from joint replacement surgery.

“The surgery is routinely performed on a high number of patients, but one which can improve people’s quality of life considerably.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work our staff are doing and to get feedback from patients in our care.”

The Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Rob Cook along his Mayoress Brenda with (left to right) Mr Rajiv Limaye (consultant) Rowena Dean (general manager) and Linda Wildberg (matron).

Councillor Cook told of his admiration for the team which treated him.

He said: “I have personally spent time in the care of these staff and I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me and so many others.

“It was also fantastic to be able to meet patients on the unit and find out how the surgery they have had has given them a better quality of life just like it has for me.

“The unit is something that is very close to my heart and I would like to thank the whole team who are a credit to the NHS.”