A PATIENT has become the first to have hip-replacement surgery and then sent home on the same day at an East Lancashire hospital.

Andrew Cook, 53, came in for his surgery at 7.30am and was out by 6.30pm the same day at Burnley General Hospital.

The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) said the procedure aimed to reduce the length of stay for hip and knee 'arthroplasty' patients.

Prior to his surgery, Andrew Cook, 53, served in the Armed Forces for 22 years.

The demanding job took its toll on his hips to the point where he needed both of them replacing. Mr Cook was identified as an ideal candidate to trial the trust’s first day case.

Heather Robinson, an advanced clinical practitioner at the trust, said: “When I first met Mr Cook he was keen to explore a hip replacement as he had very little movement and severe arthritis.

"In fact, he had arthritis in both hips and was keen to explore having them both replaced at the same time which was not a suitable option. 

"However, due to his optimism and motivation to recover quickly through rehabilitation, this gave me the idea that he may be an ideal candidate for our first-ever day-case hip replacement.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mr Cook arrived at Burnley General for his surgery last week and was met by the full team who would be involved in his care.

Following the successful procedure he had to stay in bed for four hours as he waited for the numbness in his feet to disappear, but was then able to walk with the aid of a crutch along the corridor and up a couple of steps. With the physiotherapist happy with his quick progress, he was able to leave by 6.30pm the same day and continue his recovery at home.

Mr Cook said: “It was all a bit of a whirlwind really so I haven’t had much time to reflect as it was all so quick. I had a massive clock in front of me in my recovery room so it was a bit like clock-watching, I was just eager to get moving and get going!

“It’s really benefitted me recovering at home rather than the usual three days in hospital.
"My family have been around me which has put less worry on them and it also means there’s been less pressure on the staff to look after me so they can get on with looking after other patients who need it more than me. I’m in control of my own physio and medication which is really great and I’ve been for a couple of walks – so far, so good!”

Qaisar Choudry, clinical director of trauma and orthopaedics at the trust and the operating surgeon, said: “We were able to support Mr Cook because we have an excellent multidisciplinary team who support patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery. The whole team were excited and enthusiastic about the challenge.

“I am proud of the service the orthopaedic team have delivered from attendance at the outpatients clinic, through to hip and knee school and pre-operative assessment to prepare him for surgery. There is also the ward and therapies team, enhanced recovery team, dedicated theatres and the anaesthetic team to ensure he had a safe surgery and effective post-surgery rehabilitation.”

Ms Robinson added: “Evidence shows that a patient recovers better at home in their own environment. This reduces the risk of infections, reduces the length of stay for the trust and most of all for the patient who is not in hospital for a prolonged period. 

"We’re really pleased this was such a success and are excited to reflect on how this could be taken forward to maybe include other patients who are felt to be appropriate for this new pathway.”