First day case joint replacement surgery completed
The first day case arthroplasty has been successfully performed at Mount Vernon Hospital, enabling a patient to have joint replacement surgery and return home on the same day.
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to relieve pain and restore the function of a joint - most commonly by replacing it with an artificial implant - typically used for hips and knees affected by arthritis or injury.
This new day case model aims to improve recovery times and patient experience. It involves close working between a range of staff including surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, radiographers, recovery staff, ward clerks, and porters.
Janet Bartlett, the first patient to benefit from this new approach, underwent a partial knee replacement after experiencing significant pain due to arthritis. She said:
“I was amazed at how smooth everything was and felt reassured that I would only go home if everything went as planned. Being able to recover in my own home made such a difference. I felt more relaxed, and the hospital team also contacted me a few times to check how my recovery was going.”
Julie Wakeford, consultant anaesthetist who has spearheaded this initiative and ensured that the process is as smooth as possible, anaesthetised the patient. The surgery was carried out by Jay Smith, trauma and orthopaedic consultant.
Ali Zain Naqvi, trauma and orthopaedic consultant and joint lead for this pathway, said: "This pathway represents the very best of collaborative working at Hillingdon Hospitals. Every part of the patient journey has been shaped by honest communication, a positive team spirit, and a shared commitment to high-quality, safe care. We are proud to offer a smoother, more streamlined experience for the people we serve."
Bashaar Aweid, trauma and orthopaedic consultant and joint lead for this pathway, added: "By enabling patients to recover in their own homes on the day of surgery, we have a real opportunity to improve comfort, confidence, and recovery. This pathway marks an important step in delivering a better overall experience for our joint replacement patients."
Day case surgery is offered to patients who are medically well, mobile, and have good support at home after the operation. Those with more complex health needs or who require closer monitoring may still be advised to stay overnight.
From January, the Trust will expand day case arthroplasty in line with national best practice and Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) principles, introducing it as standard practice for all suitable arthroplasty patients at Mount Vernon Hospital.
(Image Jay Smith, left, and Janet Bartlett, right)