Day zero joint replacement puts Peter back on his feet

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is leading the way with a customised accelerated rehab program in the South West that allows joint replacement patients to be discharged home the same day of surgery.

A collaborative approach to surgical, anaesthetic and perioperative treatment, the “day zero” joint replacement procedure is providing immediate benefits to patients.

Peter Herd, who recently underwent his second knee replacement, was up and about and spent the night of his surgery recuperating at home.

The Busselton Health Campus orthopaedics and anaesthetics departments have developed a system that allows improved outcomes for patients resulting in quicker recovery times, less pain and more mobility.  

Acute Pain Service Coordinator Natasha O’Neill said the multidisciplinary team that is comprised of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, continence, nursing and pharmacy had worked incredibly hard to ensure patients are well-informed each step of the way.

“Peter was well-prepared and went into surgery at 8am.

“After completing his physiotherapy, Peter was cleared by all the team to go home at 5pm the same day.

“He was up and about saying his knee wasn’t as stiff this time or as painful as when he had his knee done in 2019.

“I can’t tell you what a game changer this is,” Natasha said.

“The advances have been amazing in the last four years.

“Unicondylar – or partial – knee replacement patients used to remain in hospital for two to four days.”

Mr Herd said he was extremely pleased with the outcome.

“It was very thorough, and it was much better going home and sleeping in your own bed and getting a good night’s sleep,” he said.

Specialist orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tim Fletcher said clinicians from across Busselton Health Campus were focussed on early and safe discharges back to the patient’s own home.

“I’m proud to be working alongside such a dedicated, compassionate and patient-centred care team.”