Patients undergoing planned surgery at Bishop Auckland Hospital have praised the care, facilities and support they receive, with some saying they wouldn't choose to have their operations anywhere else.
The hospital, which was awarded accredited surgical hub status by NHS England earlier this year, provides a dedicated environment for planned operations, including hip and knee replacements.
More than 3,600 operations were carried out at Bishop Auckland Hospital in 2025/26, with patients benefiting from specialist surgical teams, modern operating theatres and dedicated rehabilitation facilities.
For Graham, who recently returned to the hospital for his second knee replacement, choosing Bishop Auckland again was an easy decision.
Speaking about his experience on Ward 18, Graham said: "I would choose to come to Bishop for my surgery every time. The service here has been absolutely brilliant.
"I had my left knee done here last year, so when I was told I needed my other knee replacing, I wanted to come back to Bishop Auckland Hospital without a doubt.
"The only thing I wish I could change about it is that it was closer to my house!"
Hazel, who has also recently had a knee replacement and has previously undergone several operations at the hospital, was equally positive.
She said: "It's a very professional service they operate here. The staff are lovely.
"It's always been my first choice to come here. It's such a calm and relaxing environment on this ward, you wouldn't actually think you're in a hospital.
"The care you get here feels very personal and at your own pace. I always have very good things to say about this ward every time I've been here."
Bishop Auckland Hospital is one of six accredited surgical hubs in the region.
Unlike hospitals with busy emergency departments, the surgical hub focuses on planned operations. This means its theatres and beds can be protected from emergency pressures, helping to reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations and delays for patients.
The hospital's operating theatres also have specialist clean-air ventilation systems designed to reduce the risk of infection during surgery.
Following their operation, patients who need further care can recover on Ward 18, where specialist nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists work together to help them regain their mobility and independence.
The ward also has its own rehabilitation gym, helping patients get up and moving safely as soon as they are ready.
Suzanne Taylor, Ward Manager, said: "It's fantastic for our teams to hear such positive feedback from patients. We know that having an operation can be worrying, so we want everyone who comes here to feel comfortable, supported and confident in the care they receive.
"We care for patients having a wide range of procedures, including hip and knee replacements, plastic surgery, and pain management treatments.
"Some patients can go home the same day, while others need a little more time to recover. Having our dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities here means we can give people the support they need to get moving again and return home safely.
"We're really proud of the care we provide at Bishop Auckland Hospital, and it's lovely to know that patients value it too."
