Iris Duke, 83, fractured her right hip last November after she fell over a piece of furniture in her Leamington home.

The traumatic experience came just ten months after an operation to replace her arthritic left hip.

But thanks to prompt, efficient and caring treatment from the ambulance service and hospital staff, she is making a full recovery.

Her son Steve, 58, of Southam said: “She has eyesight problems and fell late on a Sunday night.

“Fortunately, she had a Warwickshire Fire Service emergency pendant around her neck and was able to call for help. Their reaction was prompt and efficient and my mother had a nominated keyholder - her excellent neighbour Cyril - with her in a couple of minutes.

“By the time I reached her 20 minutes later, the ambulance service had arrived, relieved her pain and were treating her in the ambulance.

“Their swift attendance, gentle treatment, professionalism and friendly, reassuring manner raised her spirits.”

Once in the A and E department, Mrs Duke was booked in for a hip replacement three days later with Dr Mohammed Faisal - the surgeon who operated on her left hip.

Mrs Duke said: “My treatment was very, very good. The nurses were rushed off their feet, but always had time for a friendly word and nothing was too much trouble.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the doctors and surgeons - especially Dr Faisal. I’m getting about on my crutches now and cooking my own meals.

“I had some arthritis in the right hip too and it would have needed replacing at some point. The operations have made the world of difference to me.” Mr Duke added: “Her treatment in Warwick Hospital, in A and E, Oakham ward and with the physio team was excellent. We can't thank everyone enough for what has launched an elderly lady well on the road to a first class recovery.”