A mum has praised surgeons at the Trust after undergoing two hip operations which saw her admitted and discharged within 23 hours on each occasion.
Margaret Jones, aged 64, first underwent surgery in March to her left hip and was given a low dose spinal block during the hour-long procedure.
Her remarkable recovery led to surgeons booking her in for her right-side hip operation – taking place just four months later.
Retired civil servant Margaret, who first experienced hip pain whilst on holiday in 2022, said: “The whole experience has been amazing. I met the criteria and I was given the spinal block. I was awake throughout the procedures on both occasions but didn’t feel a thing.”
She added: “My recovery has been remarkable. I was walking around in the ward with a physiotherapist less than three hours after the operation. I definitely feel that a shorter stay in hospital has led to a better recovery.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for what they have done. The pain has completely disappeared.”
The 23-hour admission aids streamlining the service as the Trust prepares to move to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which will boast ultra-modern operating theatres and 50 per cent single occupancy ensuite rooms.
Mr Manoj Sikand, Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant, who carried out the surgery, said: “Margaret fell under our enhanced recovery pathway as a 23-hour admission.
“In this pathway the patient is educated right from the time from when they are listed for the operation and will need to fit criteria of being relatively fit, willing and having family support at home. But this will be extended very soon, benefitting lots of other patients already on the waiting list for other types of surgery.”
Dr Latha Murali, Consultant Anaesthetist added: “We use low dose spinal anaesthetic to facilitate early physiotherapy and mobilisation and a supported discharge programme.”
Mr Sikand continued: “This is a relatively a new process and it will see significant savings of around £400 per day per patient.
“It can, in the future show a reduction in waiting times as more patients can be admitted and operated on.”