A PATIENT from Shaldon has become one of the first to benefit from new surgical services being provided at the Nightingale Hospital in Exeter.

Robert had been on the waiting list for a knee replacement due to advanced osteoporosis and ongoing pain.

But his operation was one of many which had been delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

He has now been one of the first Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust patients to benefit from surgery at the centre.

Robert said: ‘Once I got to the centre, everything went swimmingly.

‘All of the staff that supported me, including nurses and physiotherapists, were very good.

‘After my surgery I was able to return home the same day.

‘I was very grateful to receive my operation at the centre.

‘I am still recovering, but the surgery will make a big difference to my life.’

Dr Mary Stocker, clinical lead for the Southwest Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre at NHS Nightingale Exeter and consultant anaesthetist at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It is wonderful to hear our patients’ positive feedback about their experience.

‘The Southwest Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC) at NHS Nightingale Exeter will significantly benefit people in Torbay and South Devon, many of whom, like people all over the country, have been waiting a very long time for surgery.

‘We know these surgeries are life-changing for people, reducing pain, increasing mobility and enhancing quality of life.

‘Services and, as a result, waiting lists have been impacted by the pressures associated with the pandemic, and this is a really positive step forward as part of wider work to reduce this.

‘I know first-hand how difficult it has been for our staff not to be able to deliver the care that they know is needed.

‘Being able to treat and care for our patients at the Nightingale is hugely important.’

Ian Currie, medical director at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The opening of the centre is a significant achievement for health and care services in Devon and builds on the close partnership working between our organisations during the pandemic. We are committed to working together to reduce our waiting lists.

‘The new centre is already bringing clear and crucial benefits to people in Torbay and South Devon who are waiting for treatment.’

As well as orthopaedic care, the Nightingale Hospital is also home to opthalmology and cataract treatment, diagnostics including CT, MRI, X-Ray, ultrasound, echocardiograms and fluoroscopy services.

It is also providing rheumatology outpatient care.