Wirral patient praises innovative MyMobility app following knee replacement surgery

A Wirral patient has shared how a cutting-edge digital app helped him prepare for and recover from knee replacement surgery at the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre.

Robert Lundy, 71, from Irby, underwent the procedure at the state-of-the-art facility at Clatterbridge Hospital in June 2024. As part of his treatment, he used the MyMobility app, a digital care management platform designed to support patients before and after surgery.

Rob, an active volunteer, was struggling with knee pain that had worsened over time. After trying physiotherapy and cortisone injections, he was referred for surgery at the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre, which specialises in planned procedures.

He said: “I was really happy with the MyMobility app. I’d never heard of it before, but once it was explained to me, I was fully on board.

“It was the best thing I could have done - it made such a difference.”

The app provided tailored pre-operative exercises, a daily to-do list pre and post op, and direct communication with his care team, ensuring he felt supported throughout his recovery.

He said: “I felt really connected to the team and well looked after. The messaging system meant I could ask questions, and Alison, one of the nurses, even called me a couple of times to check in, which was really reassuring.”

Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre opened in November 2022 as part of NHS plans to ensure elective surgery is not impacted by emergency care demands. The £25 million centre, which treats around 6,000 patients a year, was built using modular construction to speed up completion and has recently been accredited as a national elective surgical hub, meeting high standards in clinical and operational practice. It was also recently awarded the national Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation for the quality of care it provides for patients.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “I’m extremely proud of all that the staff at the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre have achieved since it’s opening and the excellent service it is providing for patients. It’s an excellent facility for the region to be really proud of. It’s fantastic that the app has helped Rob to prepare for his recovery and I wish him all the best following his surgery.”

Rob’s recovery hasn’t been without its challenges, but the app proved invaluable when he encountered a setback.

He said: “I overdid it on a walk while on holiday and started feeling pain in my knee. Thanks to the app, I was able to send a photo and message the team at Clatterbridge. Nurse Alison Roberts got back to me straight away with advice and reassurance. Without the app, I might have panicked and even ended up in A&E.”

Now, he’s back to enjoying his regular walks, slowly but surely strengthening his knee.

“This really is the future of medical care,” he added. “I’d encourage anyone having surgery to use the MyMobility app - it’s a fantastic tool.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Robert Lundy enjoying one of his regular walks following knee replacement surgery, supported by the MyMobility app.