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Success as total hip replacement patient allowed home within 24 hours

24 December 2018

Our West Middlesex University Hospital site has become one of the first hospitals in the UK to safely discharge a patient less than 24 hours after having a total hip replacement.

Our West Middlesex University Hospital site has become one of the first hospitals in the UK to safely discharge a patient less than 24 hours after having a total hip replacement. 

Mr Arjuna Imbuldeniya, Consultant Surgeon in Trauma and Orthopaedics, performed the procedure on local milkman Alan Perkins on 31 October and he went home happy the next day.

Speaking after the procedure Alan said: “I’m amazed that there was only one stitch after the operation. I was expecting some pain but this wasn’t as bad as I had initially expected. I’m usually quite fit and well and I was surprised I could walk the day after the procedure. I was happy to be sent home the following day where I’ve been well looked after by my family.” 

The Trust is now piloting a scheme which will identify and support suitable patients undergoing hip and knee replacements to recover safely within 24 hours so they can continue their rehabilitation from the comfort of their home, surrounded by family and friends, and supported by community healthcare teams. 

Mr Imbuldeniya commented: “I’m proud to lead a team where we can help patients like Alan get back to their families as soon as safely possible. We know that the best place for patients to recover is in their home environments, surrounded by loved ones. 

“Most patients stay in hospital for 3–5 days after these operations so we hope by sending patients home sooner, we can help free up much-needed bed space to treat other patients and also help the NHS financially. Our ever-improving surgical and anaesthetic techniques and emerging technologies help make this possible. 

“Having said that, not all patients will be suitable for this, so careful patient selection is key along with the patient feeling comfortable and safe about getting back home earlier than they might have in the past.”

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos