53-year-old Emma Burns, from King’s Lynn, had a total hip replacement with the Orthopaedic Team at The QEH on 9 September and walked out of hospital just hours hours after surgery thanks to an innovative new way of working.
A hip replacement is usually carried out when the joint is worn and pain restricts mobility. The benefits of surgery include reduced pain, improved flexibility, and increased mobility. However, patients need to be relatively fit for day case surgery and not every patient having a hip replacement is suitable for this type of treatment.
The procedure signals a new way of providing joint replacements at The QEH, providing patients with enhanced support for their recovery, including post-operative physiotherapy almost immediately after they come out of the operating theatre.
Mr Sunil Nair, Consultant Orthopaedic at The QEH, performed Emma’s surgery. He said: “Being able to provide day case hip replacements is a massive achievement for The QEH.
“Patients, just like Emma, can walk on crutches and can be safely discharged within hours after surgery, allowing them to continue their recovery in the comfort of their own homes with their recovery medications and ongoing support if they need it.”
The improved service has been developed and delivered by colleagues from a number of teams across the hospital including the pre-admission, the Orthopaedic Team, theatres, anaesthetics, pharmacy, radiology and therapies.
Mr Nair added: “It’s also hoped day case surgery such as this will help to reduce waiting times and free up bed space on our surgical wards.”
Emma said: “The surgery has completely changed my life. My kindest thanks to Mr Nair and the entire team involved.
“It’s been three weeks, and the recovery is going really well. I am now looking forward to getting back on my feet and hitting the dancefloor which is a huge passion of mine.”
Pippa Street, Chief Nurse at The QEH, said: “From a patient safety and experience perspective, same day hip replacement surgery will make a significant impact on improved quality of life while also keeping patients more active and independent.”
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