First in Bath to offer same day hip and knee replacement surgery

Joanna Gotley, Physiotherapy Lead at Sulis Hospital, comments: “Safety is always our number one priority and by pre-assessing patients, carefully planning follow-ups and rehabilitation, we are able to offer same day surgical procedures which are proven to allow for a much quicker recovery. Each patient is assessed individually and, for most, this procedure will be the best and quickest method to allow a quicker recovery with each patient having a bespoke and tailored discharge plan put in place.”

The new Sulis Hospital Enhanced Recovery Project (SERP), focussing on Hip and Knee Joint Replacement surgery, aims to optimise the pathway and outcomes for this group of patients by reviewing the whole journey, from pre-operative planning to early and effective discharge from hospital.

The aim of enhanced recovery programme (ERP) or enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is for patients to return to normal life as quickly as possible and to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Joanna Gotley adds: “Having worked with Sulis Hospital for over 10 years, it’s great to see ongoing advancements in surgical procedures benefiting all of our patients. We use the best practices to reduce risk whilst ensuring the patients are physically able and medically stable. We’re incredibly proud of our joined-up approach, including our unique rehabilitation and psychological support programmes, which are a key part of the Pathway.”

Sam Heaton, Orthopaedic Consultant at Sulis Hospital comments: “Patients are the key member of the team and are very much a part of this journey, not a passenger. Modern anaesthetics for your joint replacement involves a low dose spinal anaesthetic and a powerful local anaesthetic which both combines to numb the surgical area and give much better post-op pain relief than a general anaesthetic. Combining this with early physio mobilisation is crucial in early fast recovery and reducing complications.”

James Berstock, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sulis Hospital comments: “Developing the same-day arthroplasty programme at Sulis has challenged us to up our game surgically, anaesthetically and in the delivery of nursing care and intensive physiotherapy. As a surgeon, it is so rewarding to see my patients walking pain-free and feeling great just a few hours after a hip or knee replacement. Restoring the joy of movement is what joint replacement surgery is all about, so the traditional practice of bed rest for most of the day of surgery now seems contrary to this goal.”*

Day case surgeries are not a suitable option for all patients and a number of factors will be considered in each case, as all patients are treated as individuals. Factors such as whether the patient has any other medical conditions that may affect their recovery, if they are considered fit and healthy and provided they have a safe support system to return to at home.

To discover more about the services available at Sulis Hospital Bath enquire now to fast track your care.

Sulis Hospital Bath, formerly known as Circle Bath prior to the Royal United Hospital acquisition, continues to offer the same high standards of care for both private and NHS patients whilst keeping the patient at the heart of all they do. The Hospital is the first fully operational private hospital in the UK where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS Trust.

The acquisition by the RUH has increased capacity for both NHS and private patients, reducing waiting times for 4,933 patients in the last 12 months. This is particularly important as NHS waiting lists hit an all-time high [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/hea...].

*CQC Care Quality Commission https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-119269999