The hospital has now become a leader in the field. Patients undergoing partial knee replacements face the shortest hospital stays in the country and are discharged on the same day meaning people are back on their feet within hours of surgery.
For full knee replacements, The QEH is 4th best for shortest lengths of stay in hospital and 8th for hip replacements.
These achievements represent a significant transformation for The QEH, which was once ranked among the worst performing organisations for longest stays just a few years ago.
This success is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and dedication of the Trust’s multi-disciplinary team (MDT), who have worked tirelessly to enhance patient care, streamline procedures, and improve outcomes.
Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care and enabling quicker recovery times.
Dr Daniel Stolady, Consultant Anaesthetist at The QEH, said: “Achieving such national success in joint replacement surgery is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration within our multi-disciplinary team.
“Every step of the patient’s journey, from pre-operative assessment to post-surgery recovery, is carefully managed to ensure the best possible outcomes, and a special thanks goes to Orthopaedic Specialist Nurse, Sally Boswell, and Specialist Physiotherpaist, Lydia Byrne for making this a success.
In a groundbreaking achievement, The QEH also became the first hospital in Norfolk to successfully perform a same-day hip replacement surgery in September 2024. This pioneering procedure allows patients to walk out of the hospital just hours after surgery, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s dedication to improving patient experiences and reducing recovery times.
Furthermore, The QEH’s outstanding commitment to improving clinical outcomes was recognised earlier this year when the hospital was awarded the National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider Gold status. This prestigious gold award highlights the hospital’s exceptional dedication to patient safety and the quality of joint replacements.
Alice Webster, CEO at The QEH, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the results we have seen in our joint replacement surgery program. This success reflects the hard work, skill, and commitment of every member of our team, from our surgeons and nursing staff to our physiotherapists and support staff. Together, we have made significant strides in improving patient care, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their ongoing dedication to delivering the highest standards of care to our patients.”
As The QEH continues to lead the way in joint replacement surgery, the hospital remains committed to ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care, outcomes, and experience. This success is not just a reflection of excellence in surgery but also a demonstration of the hospital’s enduring commitment to innovation, patient safety, and clinical quality.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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