WELCOME TO JOINT SCHOOL

“caring is our passion”

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Aims Of The Session

To ensure you are well informed and prepared for your operation.

Explain what will happen throughout your stay at Spire Gatwick Park.

Teach you how to use your sticks, negotiate stairs and start your exercises.

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What Is Enhanced Recovery?

The aim is to get you back to full health as quickly as possible after your operation.

Early food and drink.

Early mobilisation.

You have an active role in your recovery and full responsibility for your rehabilitation.

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Before Your Operation

Get as fit as possible.

Walk regularly – as able.

Eat healthily including iron rich foods.

High fibre foods and plenty of fluids to help prevent constipation.

Stop smoking.

Prepare your home.

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Before Your Operation Continued

Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for a few days.

Arrange transport for your outpatient appointments.

Arrange to be off work for 6-12 weeks.

Practice your exercises.

Practice walking with your sticks.

Practice the stairs.

Read all the information again before you come in.

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Things To Bring In

Toiletries and dressing gown.

Loose comfortable clothing.

Slippers and shoes (with backs).

Small travel clock.

Mobile phone, laptop, iPad, tablet (WiFi available).

All medications in their original containers.

Walking sticks.

Your information pack and exercise programme.

Small packs of ‘ready to eat’ dried fruit.© Spire Healthcare

What Is A Joint Replacement?

Why you need a new joint.

Anatomy.

A new joint.

X-rays.

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Pre-Admission Clinic

Usually 2-3 weeks prior to surgery.

Nurse clinic.

Physiotherapy assessment.

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Anaesthesia

Spinal anaesthesia.

Regional anaesthetic block.

General anaesthetic.

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Pain Management

Pain score:

Regular and ‘as required’ medication.© Spire Healthcare

Your Patient Journey

Admission and Fasting times.

Before your operation you will see your consultant, anaesthetist, nurse, physiotherapist and pantry staff.

Walk to theatre.

In recovery.

Back on the ward – attachments.

Drink, eat, move.

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Your Patient Journey

Regular drug rounds.

Nurses will assist with washing/dressing.

Physiotherapy daily.

Sitting out for all meals.

X-ray.

Blood test.

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When Can You Go Home?

Good movement in your new joint.

Walking well.

Safe on stairs.

Independent with some supervision with daily needs.

Signs of wound healing.

Length of stay is flexible – 2-4 nights.

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Follow-up Care

Wounds clips are removed at 10-14 days (at Spire Gatwick Park or at your G.P. surgery).

Follow-up physiotherapy.

Consultant appointment at 6 weeks (at Spire Gatwick Park or in your local Trust hospital).

Hip and knee classes after 6 weeks.

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Practice Makes Perfect

Practice with your sticks for at least 5 minutes every day.

Use your sticks for at least one full 24 hour period before you come in for your operation.

Practice your exercises daily.

It does make a difference!

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Any Questions?

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THANK YOU

This information is also available on our website

•www.spiregatwick.com/ER

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