Helping Mrs V to fight an infection

Mrs V, 66, had been taking antibiotics for the last two and a half years after she developed an infection in her knee replacement. When doctors tried to remove the artificial joint in November 2010, they were unable to dislodge it because they are designed to last for ten years. So they had to resort to cleaning it out and treating Mrs V with strong antibiotics instead.

The retired mum of four, who had her first round of knee replacement surgery 13 years ago, stayed in hospital for two weeks before returning home. Since being discharged, she has been receiving acute nursing care in the comfort of her own home – thanks to the services provided by MediHome. Once a day she was visited by a MediHome nurse who administered the antibiotics through a drip (PICC line) inserted into her arm.

She said: "I've always had bad knees. I was told I would need replacements when I was 40 but they tried to delay it for as long as possible – until my 50s. She added: "Being treated at home is much better. At least you are around to do things. If you stay in hospital you are just taking up beds and cannot do anything."

In February 2011, her consultant told Mrs V that the infection was gradually starting to clear.