01/05/2024
Hip and Knee Success
A group of “golden oldies” in Yeovil has been hearing how medical teams at the town’s hospital are working to reduce waiting times for orthopaedic surgery and offer patients a greater choice.
Matthew Hall, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinical Director for Orthopaedics and the Kingston Wing at Yeovil Hospital, was speaking to the “Brympton Golden Oldies” coffee morning at Abbey Manor Community Centre.
Matthew explained how innovative ways of working – including the introduction of day case surgery for hip and knee replacements – was benefitting patients.
Yeovil Hospital also offers the option of private surgery, through the Kingston Wing, with all the profits going back into the NHS.
Many of the 6.5 million people currently on the NHS waiting list are waiting for hip and knee replacements.
A recent report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies said that, while the waiting list is beginning to fall, it is unlikely to get back to pre-pandemic levels until 2029. It’s prompted an increase in the number of people going abroad for surgery.
Today Matthew said: “Of course people with chronic hip and knee pain want to get an operation quickly but it is also extremely important that they go to the right place at the right time.
“Often, it can be daunting for elderly patients with joint pain to know how and when to seek help and what options are available to them to improve their quality of life in the future. I hope that my talk helped shed some light on some of these queries.”
He added: “In the Kingston Wing we have a philosophy of ‘private experience with NHS peace of mind’ and we think that is what sets us apart from other private hospitals.”
His presentation to the “golden oldies” – around 65 of them - was certainly well received.
One of the organisers of the coffee morning, Robert Brooks (82) from Brympton, said: “Matthew’s presentation was both interesting and informative, delivered as it was, with passion, humour and understanding to a group of people who were concentrating attentively throughout.
“It was a testament to its relevance, and Matthew’s empathy with the group of sixty plus in attendance”.
Ian Schafer (75), from Yeovil, said: “I thought it was very informative. Now I know what the process is and how simple it is, it has reassured me that if I did have to go into hospital, I would be in good hands”.
Bill Higgins (81) from Yeovil, said: “The talk was very interesting and gave a lot of information. I was particularly interested in the treatment of hip pain and that surgery is not always needed as you offer injections also”.
PICTURE attached: Consultant Matthew Hall with “golden oldies” at a coffee morning in Yeovil
Clinton Rogers
