Former patient hails ANPs for their part in his swift recovery

A patient has praised the team for its role in his treatment and recovery. Grant Whytock from Cupar is a patient of Mr Dunstan and someone who has benefited from the use of advanced nurse practitioners (ANP).

The 58-year-old had his second hip replacement at the end of September and was discharged from hospital within 23 hours.

He said: “I went into hospital on the Monday and by 3.30pm on the Tuesday I had my bags packed and was ready to go – when I told my wife she thought I was joking.

“After surgery I didn’t have much pain and I put that down to the skill of the surgeon and the team.

“It is a great feeling to come out of surgery and find that the pain you have suffered for months and months has gone away.

“I was in and out of hospital in a day.

“By the end of the week I was walking down the road with a stick and after four weeks I was able to walk without the stick.

“Nine weeks after my operation, I’ve completed a 10-mile walk unaided and I feel as fit as anyone.”

Dorna Taylor has worked as an ANP in Fife for 12 years and is part of the orthopaedic surgery team.

She said the role of the ANP brought considerable benefits for patients.

“No one wants to be in hospital for longer than they need to be and ANPs help patients get in and out of hospital faster and with fewer delays,” she said.

“ANPs are registered nurses with extensive nursing experience and education that enables us to deliver care that has been historically provided by medical staff.

“Our medical grounding, communication skills and extensive contacts across hospitals and other health boards mean patients get the best-quality care.”