A North East woman who feared going into hospital has praised an NHS scheme helping patients prepare for foot and ankle surgery and recover faster.
Emily Hanley, 27, from Norton, attended one of the first foot and ankle school sessions at University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Ms Hanley, who has hypermobility, said the session eased her anxiety before her ankle ligament reconstruction and prepared her for what to expect.
Emily Hanley (right) with senior surgical care practitioner Beth Alderton (Image: Supplied)
She said: "I found the session really helpful.
"I have never had surgery before. The idea of coming to hospital was scary.
"I had no idea what was coming. I get anxious about being in hospital.
"It took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team talked me through everything and answered all of my questions.
"They were nothing but helpful and made me feel informed and not anxious about coming in for my operation."
The foot and ankle school is Teesside’s first and is led by senior surgical care practitioners who guide patients from pre-op to recovery.
Beth Alderton, the senior surgical care practitioner who helped set up the clinic, said: "We understand that preparing for surgery can raise many questions and can feel daunting.
"The aim of this session is to help our patients feel informed, confident and ready for their surgery – and it’s fantastic to hear from people like Emily that this is the case."
The sessions cover pain management, post-operative care, recovery times and rehabilitation.
They also cover physiotherapy, mobility, walking aids and how to optimise health before surgery.
Patients can meet the clinical team, ask questions and discuss their concerns.
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Physiotherapists attend selected sessions to advise on exercises and rehabilitation, helping patients recover after surgery.
Ms Alderton said: "The team encourages all eligible patients to attend, highlighting the important role the sessions play in preparing for surgery and ensuring patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey."
Patients booked for foot or ankle surgery are invited to attend and contacted directly by the hospital team.