THE NHS now seems to be genuinely interested in learning from patients' experience of care, which has not always been the case.

I was recently in hospital for a minor knee operation, which gave me the chance to experience both NHS excellence and some inefficiencies.

The problem was probably the result of 'wear and tear' after years of running. It was fairly clear to me what the problem was and from the start I suspected it was going to need a scan followed by a minor op using key-hole surgery - a job for the orthopaedic surgeon.

But I had to wait almost six months at each step; first to be seen by the surgeon so a scan could be ordered, next, waiting for the scan, waiting after the scan to discuss the results and options with the surgeon and a further six-month wait for the operation.

I am still attending the hospital outpatients clinic, in addition to receiving physiotherapy nearer to home.

The main impression I had from the clinics I attended was how busy they are. If it was obvious to me what was needed, I'm sure many physiotherapists or GPs, assisted by protocol, a scan report and informative letter after the operation, would have been able to do everything except the surgery.

This would free up the time of the orthopaedic surgeon to see more complex cases and reduce waiting times.

The NHS has set itself tough targets to reduce waiting times, which it appears to be achieving. It is also starting to measure overall waiting time from referral to treatment, which is really all that patients are interested in, and is a sign that things are improving.

Orthopaedics has some of the longest waits. In a bid to speed things up, by taking the pressure off surgeons, Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn, Ribble Valley PCTs have introduced a service run by a GP with an interest in muscle and joint problems and employing a number of physiotherapists.

This will be good news for people with back pain, soft-tissue injuries and flare-ups of long-standing problems, who will get faster assessment and initial treatment. Many referrals to orthopaedics will be prevented and those that are necessary will have had some of the initial steps carried out quicker.

My verdict on the NHS experience? Ten out of 10 for care, but could do better on organisation.