Pre-Operative Assessments
In order to undergo a joint replacement procedure at Kingsbridge Private Hospital you are required to attend a pre-operative assessment. This is a 20–30 minute appointment with an Anaesthetist to assess any medical needs you may have and so that we can tailor your care whilst you are an inpatient. It is important that you are honest and frank about your medical history at this appointment. At this time, you will have bloods and swabs taken. In the time between your pre-operative assessment and your operation, if your health or medication changes in any way it is important that you let us know.
Admission to Kingsbridge Private Hospital
To prepare for your procedure you will be admitted to Kingsbridge approximately 1.5 hours before your expected procedure time. This is to allow the medical team time to take further blood samples, if required, carry out the admission process, obtain consent and allow time for you to get changed into a theatre gown. Following your procedure, you will be returned to a private room.
Enhanced Recovery
At Kingsbridge, we operate an Enhanced Recovery Program. This means that our Physiotherapists will get you up and moving around as soon as it is comfortable for you to do so. You will have a number of intensive physiotherapy sessions with the team before you are discharged from hospital. They will also provide you with exercises to do at home to aid your recovery.
Discharge
Due to our Enhanced Recovery Program we have been able to reduce the amount of time that patients are required to stay in hospital. We estimate that your stay, which will include the night of your surgery, will be:
• Knee Replacements – 2/3 nights
• Hip Replacements – 1/2 nights
• Shoulder Replacements – 1 night
Our Nursing Team will be able to confirm a date for your discharge based on your Consultant’s advice and the speed of your recovery. You must have a responsible person accompany you home from hospital, and you will not be able to drive. Please ensure that your companion is available to bring you home at approximately 9.30am on the morning of your discharge.
If you are intending to spend some time in a rehabilitation facility or convalescence care, please ensure that you make arrangements prior to your arrival. We will not be able to organise is for. Please ensure you ask the facility if they have any specific requirements such as a GP’s list of prescribed medications or medical history. Your GP may be able to help provide you with a list of suitable facilities within your area.
Please use the estimates above as a guide to when you will need this care to start as we are unable to extend your stay in Kingsbridge unless it is medically necessary to do so. We can liaise with the facility regarding discharge when you are in the hospital.
