An information film for patients requiring a hernia operation has been launched by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. The 15 minute film ‘Hernias and their treatments’ provides a guide for patients on what hernias are, how they are treated and the recovery process after a hernia operation.
From mid-January, the DVD will be given to patients who are referred for hernia surgery and is also available to view here
The Trust performs around 500 hernia operations each year. Trust Consultant Surgeon Nick Markham presents this film with input from his patients. This DVD follows on from Nick’s very popular gallstones DVD which received excellent feedback from patients and won accolades from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Nick explains “For many people, having a condition such as a hernia and coming into hospital for an operation can be a nerve-wracking experience. This film explains what hernias are and now patients turn up well informed and ready for the op. Patients feel reassured because they know what to expect and when they will be able to resume normal day to day activities after a hernia operation, such as driving and playing sport.
“We have produced patient information leaflets for many years and will continue to do so. However, with more people able to view video content online or through mobile phones; it seems like a natural progression where possible to produce films for those operations that are really common. I would like to thank those who took part in this film to make it possible”.
The Trust’s films have been recognised independently for their quality and information. In May 2011, Nick Markham’s gallstones patient information film was awarded first prize in a competition run by the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland.
To view the hernia film and other patient information films by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, visit www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk or search under NDHT on You Tube.
