A FORMER marathon runner has praised staff at Burnley General Hospital for the ‘wonderful’ care he received while undergoing two hip replacements.

George Edgington, of Victoria Court, Haslingden, said he was keen to highlight the hard work and excellent care given by many of the staff at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, despite the organisation being labelled as a ‘failing trust’ in 2013 and spending much of the last year in special measures.

The 67-year-old, who ran the Washington and Boston marathons in his youth, said he was back on his feet within three days of both procedures.

And the grandfather-of-four said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved at St James’ Medical Centre in Rawtenstall and Ward 15 at Burnley General Hospital, when I needed two hip replacement operations. The professionalism, care and consideration of everyone in the various disciplines is so much appreciated.

“Whether it was at my GP's surgery, or Adhita Saikia and his team in the operating theatre, the anaesthetic team, nurses, ancillary staff, physiotherapists, the occupational therapist, pain control team, catering staff, pharmacists or the cleaners who ensured that Ward 15 was free of infection, your wonderful care resulted in my being up and about in just three days and improving rapidly. I can't thank you all enough.”

Mr Edgington, who is currently doing consultancy work for Lancashire Police, underwent the procedures after suffering from arthritis for three or four years.

Chief nurse Christine Pearson said: “Positive feedback is always welcome and we are delighted Mr Edgington is happy with the care and treatment he received from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

“We are really pleased to see that he is getting on with his life and is active and mobile.

“This has been a difficult year for the Trust and our staff have worked really hard to make the necessary improvements. They remain committed to safe, personal and effective care for all our patients.”