Mr Benedict Lankester

Written by a NHS patient at Yeovil District Hospital

After a lifetime of playing sports, particularly table tennis and squash, I paid the price by suffering gradual knee deterioration. I had a left knee arthroscopy about twelve years ago but by the end of 2021, something more had to be done. X-rays showed that both knees were worn out. I had meetings with Ben Lankester about full replacements for both knees. I asked whether they could be done at the same time; Ben (I will call him that as it's shorter) said it was unusual for someone my age (81) but he would consider it on the day, I had the left one replaced on the 7th of March. there was not enough time to do both so I had the right one replaced on the 6th of June. At all of the meetings with Ben, he answered my questions and was kind and considerate. The procedures were amazing. A couple of hours after checking in I was taken for surgery. On both occasions I was given an epidural; I did not feel a thing! But it's a strange feeling. Ben asked me to raise my leg. I couldn't! No feeling at all. They put up a screen so that I would not be able to see anything; that was fine with me. I had taken a portable CD player and listened to music. Each knee took about ninety minutes. I was then taken for tea and biscuits in the Recovery Room and after half an hour, back to the ward. As the anaesthetic wore off I was given pain killers; they were perfectly effective but when I returned home I learned that it was better to take them regularly rather than to wait until things became uncomfortable. After about a month I had no further need of them. Before the first op Ben asked me if I would like a catheter. Being a sporty he-man I declined! I regretted that by five o'clock the next morning; the nurse kindly did the necessary and Oh, the relief! That is something I would recommend others to carefully consider. Strangely I had no problem peeing after the second op. Mr Lankester (proper title) and all the staff in the orthopaedic unit were fantastic. I cannot rate them highly enough - particularly now that after the two ops, six months and three months ago, my legs are straight and working beautifully. My grateful thanks to Mr Lankester, all the staff - and our brilliant NHS. Ken Mathews

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Written by a NHS patient at Yeovil District Hospital

11years ago I had an Arthroscopy at Shepton Mallet which resulted in the need for further surgery . I was referred to Mr Lankester at YDH who carried out a partial knee replacement. This has given me no problems whatsoever. Move Forward 11 years to this October 2021 and I was admitted for a Total Knee Replacement on my other knee. Again Mr Lankester carried out the procedure with no problems experienced at all. Whilst in hospital the care given to me by the Orthopaedic's team was second to none & Mr Lankester's personal attention daily was very much appreciated. Now 7 weeks on from my operation I am able to drive, walk & carry on as normal I cannot praise Mr Lankester & his Orthopaedic's team enough for giving me back a Quality of Life not experienced for many years.

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Written by a patient at Yeovil District Hospital

Having suffered from a damaged knee due to a bad tackle in a Football match. Over a period of 12 years I had underwent 7 knee operations, I was still suffering from pain and limited distance to walk without pain. I was finally put forward to see Mr Ben Lankaster. After a consultation at the hospital, Mr Lancaster said the I was looking at a full replacement. I asked what would the cost be to go private? He asked Why, I wanted to go private. I explained that having had the problem for the last 12 years, I just wanted to get it sorted as soon as possible. He informed me, that I would undergo the operation within the next 5 weeks. True to his word, I was in the Theatre within that time. I was awake during the operation so could hear what was going on but felt no pain whatsoever. Cannot thank him enough for what he did for me. I know he is highly rated by staff and patient's. All I can say now is Thank you for giving me the enjoyment of going for walks (pain free again). Also it was a pleasure to meeting you. You explained the procedure to me prior to the operation and guidance regarding post operation, which after 7 previous operations, was the final one to give me the opportunity to enjoy walks without the discomfort I suffered for 20 years previously.

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Written by a patient at Yeovil District Hospital

I received excellent care, very good communication and involvement in decision making. Could not have asked for more.

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Written by a patient at Sulis Hospital Bath

Mr Lankester did a knee operation for me. He took time before the operation to explain exactly what was going to be done. He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions fully. After the operation, he explained exactly what he had done, and again listened to my questions and answered them fully. I cannot recommend Mr Lankester highly enough! He is extremely polite and takes all the time needed to explain the operation.

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