Hartlepool hospital praised by hip-op patient, 95

Annie Craggs is in such good health that doctors had no concerns with her having the hip replacement surgery she needed.

Annie had been in discomfort and pain with her right hip for many months and after visiting her GP, she was referred to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Associate specialist in orthopaedics and trauma Manesh Vaghela assessed her and was able to perform the surgery at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Mr Vaghela said: “Annie is the oldest patient I have performed this surgery on. Because she is such a fit and healthy woman, we were able to give her the hip replacement surgery which would relieve her pain.”

Annie has since been recovering in the hospital’s joint replacement unit and will soon be transferred to Sedgefield Community Hospital for rehabilitation.

Annie, from Sedgefield, said: “When I went to see Mr Vaghela he said he would be able to carry out hip replacement surgery because I was healthy.

“I feel so much better and couldn’t thank staff at Hartlepool enough. Each and every one of them has been great.”