Two farmers from the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic have received life-changing surgery at a hospital in Bath after travelling more than 8,000 miles.
Clive Wilkinson and Mandy Ford, who travelled from the Falklands | Photo © Bath Clinic
Mandy Ford and Clive Wilkinson were brought to the country by military aircraft and then taken to the Bath Clinic in Combe Down to have the surgery, which was inaccessible to them at home.
Both patients suffered from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that results in the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
Eventually, if left untreated the wear and tear on the ball and socket joint becomes so bad that walking becomes close to impossible without the support of crutches.
Ms Ford and Mr Wilkinson had experienced significant delays waiting for treatment. Both had previously travelled to a hospital in Wigan to undergo the surgery, however, at the last minute, the surgery was cancelled, leading to another 8,064-mile journey home no closer to the treatment needed.
The two farmers have both now undergone a full hip replacement, which involved the removal of the worn joint and replacement with an artificial one.
The surgery took an hour and a half, involving specialist orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Harvey Sandhu, who operated in late September at the Bath Clinic.
The surgery took place using specialist instruments and a pioneering implant developed by a team from Harvard in the United States.
Mr Sandhu said: “This type of surgery enables and accelerated recovery, which benefits Mandy and Clive returning to a full and active working and social life when they return to the Falkland Islands in a few weeks.”
When asked about operating on Ms Ford and Mr Wilkinson, Mr Sandhu said: “It is a real privilege to help these two patients (as for all patients) who were in extreme pain and in Clive’s case on crutches.
“It means a great deal to give them a chance to return to living a normal life without terrible pain. Access to this kind of treatment isn’t possible in the Falkland’s and with a long journey ahead of them I had to make sure we got it right for them.
“It was a truly rewarding experience to help both of them and a great opportunity to hear about life and access to healthcare in the Falklands.”
Following the surgery, both patients have remained in Bath, as they undergo post-operation reviews and a programme of physiotherapy.
Following this, they will travel to RAF Brize Norton and make the long journey back to their farms and communities in West and East Falkland.
Mandy Ford said: “The care I received at the Bath Clinic was brilliant at every point. I felt totally relaxed and confident that the surgery could be done. I came into the hospital worried that I would be turned away again but now, I can’t wait to get back home and start dancing again. I’ve been given my life back again and I can’t thank Mr Sandhu or the Bath Clinic enough.”
Mr Wilkinson added: “The operation has improved my quality of life. The one-to-one care you get at the Bath Clinic makes all the difference.
“The staff are attentive and listen to you. When I return home, I will be sure to tell the Chief Medical Officer to put the Bath Clinic on their list – it’s faultless here.”
