Innovation is at the forefront of all care the elective care team provide at Hartlepool.
The joint replacement team is regularly looking at ways of evolving and expanding the service from their base on the hospital’s first floor.
New developments over recent months have included the relocation of the unit. It is now directly above the operating theatre with lift access.
This has helped improve safety for patients and staff, in light of COVID-19 measures and an increased focus on reducing risks of virus transmission.
The service has also recently helped with the introduction of hip operations being carried out as a day procedure.
It means, when appropriate, patients can have a hip joint replacement. They are then transferred to the unit for a matter of hours and sent home the same day.
Plans are in place to expand the service in the future, making it the centre of our elective care activity.