Better information gets hip and knee patients
back on their feet faster
Better information for Bay of Plenty patients
about what to expect before, during and after
total hip or knee replacements is helping them
get back on their feet faster.
hospital has dropped from 4 to 3 days. It’s also below the
national average.
Service Improvement Programme Manager Wendy Carey
says, “Making sure patients are well informed before their
surgery is really important. It helps them prepare; both
physically and mentally and recover quicker which helps to
reduce the risk of complications.
As part of a national programme designed to improve
care for people having these operations, the Bay of Plenty
District Health Board (BOPDHB) has been providing weekly
education classes at both hospitals.
“Knowing what to do and what not to do post-surgery is
really important for the patient’s recovery.”
At the sessions, well in advance of surgery, patients learn
what to expect and what they can do to aid their recovery
after surgery. They’re also provided with an information
handbook covering every aspect of the process. Including
post- surgery exercise, the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of how to sit and
move and who to call for support once they’re discharged
from hospital.
A survey of patients who’d had hip or knee replacements
this year at both Tauranga and Whakatāne hospitals shows
having an information handbook covering every step of the
process was a huge help.
91% of those surveyed rated the handbook as highly
valuable and 98% said they felt well prepared for their
surgery and discharge from hospital having read the book.
Maketu man Charles Peni, who had a knee replacement
early this year, credits the information with getting him back
on his feet faster.
Charles Peni is well on the recovery path. He was playing
competitive tennis prior to surgery and he’s adamant, he’ll
be back on the court this season.
“I knew the operation was going to be a major. And I know
plenty of people who’ve had knee replacements and who’ve
had a slow recovery. Having education sessions and all
the information at my fingertips well before my operation
meant I was well prepared. I think those sessions should be
compulsory.”
“I’m following the advice and now having physiotherapy
on my knee at Tauranga Hospital. Where I live I could go
to either hospital. I had my op in Whakatāne Hospital but
a physio appointment came up in Tauranga, so I opted for
that. It really makes no difference to me the staff have
been great at both hospitals.”
Charles had his operation in Whakatāne Hospital in March.
After three nights in hospital he was able to go home.
Since the BOPDHB has increased the level of information
and education available for total hip and knee replacement
patients, the average time those patients have had to stay in
Charles Peni working on building strength at Tauranga Hospital’s Physio
Department after his knee replacement early this year.
Charles says his knee’s getting better every day. He’s
even managed a short jog to the odd lamppost. “I’ve
always believed in keeping yourself fit. Some of our tennis
club members are in their 80s and still going strong and I
plan to do the same.”
From the Chair
In this edition of Health Matters you will see
some of the initiatives staff at our hospitals
are doing to get people back to being active
members of our communities.
Now is a great time to be thinking about being more
active. The weather is getting warmer, Spring is in the
air!
This makes me reflect on my own fitness. Around
this time a couple of years back, the Bay of Plenty
District Health Board members and Senior Executive
challenged themselves to do the Oxfam 50 km walk in
Whakatāne at the end of that summer. One group of
hardened souls even aimed to do the 100 km route.
Part of the motivation for me, was recognising that
getting up and getting moving is important if I am
to avoid getting stiffer and slower with age. In this
stunning Bay of Plenty climate, the weather is no
excuse; it is really just a matter of making the choice to
do something. Anything; just do something.
When my father was my age he could literally not walk
to the letterbox. One day he decided to improve his
fitness. He started by getting out of his car and walking
to the letterbox. Later that year he ran the Rotorua
marathon.
What can you do to actively enjoy the increasing hours
of sun and extra warmth? Perhaps a walk to the shop?
Or a cycle around town?
Kicking a ball around with
the kids? How soon will
it be warm enough for a
swim at the beach? Even
clearing up the garden can
be a satisfying day in the
sun and open air.
Many people need a
goal to get them started:
You might train for
Ron Scott, Deputy Chair Bay of
next month’s Tauranga
Plenty District Health Board
marathon or Whakatāne’s
annual Toi’s challenge in
November. Or your personal goal might be simply to
keep up with the kids, climb the stairs without puffing
or continue to be able to tie your own shoe laces.
Whatever your goal, enjoy our Spring weather. Get
outside and take some deep breaths. And you might
surprise yourself as we did by finding that you can walk
50 km in a day!
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is people! It is people! It is people!
Arohanui
Deputy Chair, Ron Scott
PLEASE RETURN
any loaned hospital equipment to Tauranga
Hospital’s main reception.
Thank you.