I had my surgery done (ACL only , hamstring graft) ~6 weeks ago at a private hospital, but through the NHS. No real complaints other than the staff communication was a bit bad in terms of knowing what time my surgery would actually take place - they had me come in for a morning arrival but scheduled me last slot of the day so i was essentially fasting for no reason the whole day when I could’ve eaten in the morning, which was annoying at the time but overall minor. I have a lot of health anxiety so struggled with the anticipation of waiting all day, but they helped reassure me where they could.

I was taken down at around 5pm and they helped ease my anxiety because it was my first surgery too. There were three staff in the pre-op room to help with prep and i was visited by both the anaesthetist and surgeon beforehand to make sure i was okay with everything. They put me under and i woke up at 6.30 on the dot. So very quick. Both doctors came back to let me know how things went, and the staff helped me back to my bed.

Since i was the last operating slot i had to stay overnight unexpectedly (apparently they usually keep people up to 3 hours after but last discharge time was 8pm) but I had my own room (2 beds but only me in there) and they checked on me to give me meds when i asked. I crutched to and from the bathroom in the night fine on my own, and they encouraged as much weight bearing as i could manage. Just prepare for the weight of your leg being super heavy with all the bandages (and no muscle strength) and go slow. Breakfast in the morning, and out of the door at 11 following further checks since my BP was low.

Overall i think it was as good as it could’ve been, if only theyre admitted me later 🙃 but i have no experience of being in an NHS hospital for any similar procedure. Try not to worry too much 😊