New techniques lead to patients leaving hospital on same day as surgery

Some patients are being discharged on the same day they have had orthopaedic joint replacement surgery at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.

Discharging patients who are fit enough on the same day or within a few days helps them to gain their independence sooner and reduces the risk of infections.

Anthea Bowkett, pictured with staff, was the first patient to be discharged on day zero after receiving a total knee replacement.

She was first on the list for surgery and was allowed to go home later in the evening.

Nationally, there are improvements in joint surgery techniques and anaesthetics. As a result of this, many hospitals in the UK are now able to allow their patients to return home sooner and many are able to go home on the same day.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the PRH and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, is using these techniques, helping some of its patients who are fit enough to go home the same day. There is a 24-hour a day helpline available to these patients after discharge.

If patients are able to leave hospital sooner, SaTH can also increase the number of operations it carries out.

Anthea said: “Everything went well with my operation – there were no hiccups. I underestimated how long it would take to get better, but it has all been good.

“I was told it was unlikely that I could go home that day, but as the procedure went really well, they then said it was a possibility, which was great.

“The care and treatment I received was above and beyond – it was brilliant. All the staff were so nice, helpful and friendly. I couldn’t fault them at all.

“My recovery has gone well, the wound is so tidy and clean. The operation and after care were excellent.”

Planned joint replacement surgery restarted in phases last December with hip and knee replacement operations now taking place and also shoulder operations.

It was paused in December 2023 due to estates issues on the recovery ward.

Dr John Jones, Executive Medical Director, at SaTH, said: “It is fantastic to see patients being well enough to be sent home on the same day they have surgery – it is more beneficial for their recovery to be in their own environment and reduces the risk of infections.

“It also means that we are able to increase the number of operations taking place, which will reduce the amount of time patients have to wait for their joint replacement operations.

“I would like to thank all the teams who have been involved to make such a difference for our patients.”