How Mark got back to mobility with two new knees and expert care

Mark's recovery and rehabilitation were enhanced through the connected orthopaedic pathway programme provided by the Joint Replacement Centre Wales, involving surgeons, nurses, patients, rehabilitation specialists and physiotherapists.

The wraparound service means he was supported every step of the way by specialists.

Mark was already a keen swimmer and so, as soon as he was allowed, continued swimming three times a week at the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Bridgend.

This is part of the self-pay programme, as well as using the gym equipment and having regular instruction and expert advice from his rehabilitation specialist there.

Mark is an active 65 year old who loves gardening, walking and playing golf. He has spent a lifetime playing football and squash, but now concentrates on slightly gentler sports. After his surgery in May, he is all set for a trip to Turkey at the end of September. The Joint Replacement Centre Wales programme gets people back safely to what they enjoy doing most.

Being better prepared for having a joint replaced promotes the possibility of a better outcome. When a patient decides to go ahead, a Joint Replacement Centre coordinator will meet with them to make sure all the patient’s needs are understood and that they have a full understanding of the expectations of the process, surgery and aftercare.

Mark says, “All the advice and treatment I have received from Nuffield Health has gone really well. The physio Cath looked after me the first time around after my left knee op and then transferred me to my rehabilitation specialist Chloe at the gym. This time Chrissy provided physiotherapy at the Vale Hospital before signing me off and handing me over to Chloe at Nuffield Health Bridgend. I have a three-month membership there and can then make use of a reduced membership offer from then on.”

Catherine Hext, Integrated Clinical Services Manager at Nuffield Health, said “We are delighted with Mark’s progress, using the full range of our services and facilities at both the Vale hospital and the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Bridgend. He is a good example of aligning with our purpose of building a healthier nation.”

Nuffield Health’s Joint Replacement Centre Wales is the only place in Wales currently offering Robotic Mako™ hip and knee replacements and can provide bilateral hips and knees at one sitting, if suitable.

Last updated Friday 6 September 2024

First published on Friday 23 August 2024