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Courtney May is already planning her return to the ski slopes, following her smooth recovery after a hip replacement done as day surgery at The Ottawa Hospital.
When Courtney May had her first hip replacement in January 2014, she stayed in hospital for two days to recover. A year later, for her second hip replacement, she went home that same afternoon. For her, the two experiences were completely different.
“Having had my first hip done just one year earlier, I am able to compare the two experiences and would encourage other patients to be open-minded about going home the same day,” said May, 45. “Recovering in the privacy of my own home and at my own pace made this the best possible experience.”
The Ottawa Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Canada to offer hip and knee replacements as day surgery. Not only does this new approach improve the patient’s experience by getting them back to the comfort of their own home sooner, but it also offers significant cost savings to the health-care system.
“This is the joint replacement of the future for those healthy enough,” said Dr. Paul Beaulé, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery. “By working closely with our anesthesiologists, we’ve come up with a way for patients to safely monitor their progress from the comfort of their own home.”
“In addition to proper patient selection, the advanced approach to the surgery, proper choice of anesthesia and post-operative pain management are critical components towards the success of the program,” said Dr. John Penning, Anesthesiologist.
“I never felt as though I was being rushed out of the hospital and was reassured on multiple occasions that if I did not feel ready to go home, I would not be discharged,” said May. “With the support of my family and a very attentive medical team, I had the benefit of recovering in the comfort of my own home.”
Thanks to her smooth recovery, May plans to be back out skiing when the snow falls later this year.
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I am in need of a hip replacement, and this sounds like the way to go. Is age a factor?
Hi Mr. Timpson,
Thank you for your question. Age is one of many factors to consider prior to a surgical procedure. Great strides have been made over the last decade with respect to hip replacements. It is best you contact your doctor to discuss what surgical options are appropriate in your case.
Good Morning,
I have been diagnosed and assigned to the Ontario waiting list for a complete hip replacement my surgery date is 10 Aug 2016. I was surprise it took such a lengthily wait (Dec 2015 – May 2016) to see a surgeon to confirm surgery was required. At no time was I offered day surgery. I do have other health factors that may complicate may situation and the risk factors must be taken in consideration. I think there is a need to adjust and put in place a system for better pre-surgery confirmation for patients in need of surgery. Being placed on sick leave and disability benefits does nothing for the well being of a patient except places them in isolation; awaiting for a date of surgeon Its the lack of Operation Room availability the current problem, if one looked at the waiting lists just in the AOR of Ottawa, for hip and knee surgery it’s concerning. If day surgery is the answer preparing potential patient for this form of surgery would be cost effective in the long run. Its so discouraging to be told that Surgeon have long waiting lists and can not take a patient. I was told there was only two Doctors receiving new patients at the time of my assessment and when a surgeon become available I would get a call. I know there are other patient who have waited for years for their surgery, someone at the Ministry of Ontario Health should be spear heading Day Surgery for knee and hips as a priority. Not complaining just wanted to provide my 2 cents worth.
Hi Mr. Adams,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. At The Ottawa Hospital, more than half of all patients waiting for a hip replacement get their surgery within the provincial target of six months (182 days). As a starting point, all patients waiting for hip or knee replacements are referred to a central booking office, where they are offered the choice of going with the surgeon who has the shortest wait time. There are a number of factors that contribute to each individual’s wait-time. I cannot access your medical records, but if you’d like to know more about your case and provide suggestions on how we can improve then please contact our Patient Advocacy Department. They will be able to answer all your questions and take your feedback as well. Email: patientadvocacy@toh.on.ca Tel: 613-798-5555 ext. 13377 Website: https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/patients-visitors/patient-advocacy/