THE FIRST patients treated at Orpington Hospital’s new orthopaedic centre have praised the care they received.

Former doubles squash champion Anthony Scutt and musician Satwant Singh-Taak were both given new hips at the refurbished facility.

The hospital says surgeons at owner King’s College Hospital (KCH) are now referring their elective patients to Orpington where the “focus is on holistic care and the atmosphere is a far cry from the hustle of a busy acute hospital”.

Last year the inner city NHS Foundation Trust took control and has since pumped £3.9 million into the site, adding three operating theatres and providing updated equipment.

Mr Scutt, 64, from Forest Hill, was one of the first patients to be referred as his “right hip had been gradually deteriorating”.

He said: “After the operation I was brought back to the ward and within a few hours the physiotherapists had me up and walking.

“It’s fantastic to be up and about so quickly after surgery as you worry it will take a while before you’re mobile again.”

Mr Scutt added he was “supported all the way” and mentioned there are even car parking spaces available.

Mr Singh-Taak, of Goosegreen, was also happy with his time at Orpington Hospital after his operation.

The 58-year-old said: “The team at Orpington has been wonderful. I’d never been to this hospital before but if I ever need my left hip replaced I’d want it done here.”

Mr Patrick Li, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who carried out the surgery said: “The new orthopaedic centre at Orpington Hospital is really good news for local people.

“I am delighted that my patients are so happy with the service they have received here and very proud of the progress we have made in developing the orthopaedic service at Orpington.”