Surgeon gives power to the elbow

Shoulder and elbow expert Andrew Chambler is aiming to "arm" patients and GPs with detailed information.

The Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon has launched the Yeovil Elbow and Shoulder Service (YESS) website to help patients understand more about their conditions.

It also aims to inform doctors and health professionals about the latest treatments, surgery and rehabilitation.

The site also provides information about services provided at Yeovil Hospital in Somerset.

Mr Chambler, 37, has a special interest in elbow and shoulder surgery and moved from Oxford to join the Orthopaedic team at Yeovil Hospital last September.

'Happier' patients

He decided to launch the website, with colleague consultant Graham Smibert, in response to the growing need for more information from patients and other health professionals.

About 35 elbow and shoulder operations take place each month at Yeovil Hospital, including shoulder and elbow replacements.

Mr Chambler said: "I know from talking to my own patients that they rightly want lots of information, and sometimes they think of questions afterwards that they want answered.

"We know that patients who are better informed about their shoulder or elbow condition and management are happier throughout their treatment, as they know much more about what to expect and how to help themselves."