The average hospital stay for patients undergoing
knee or
hip replacement surgery at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital has been reduced thanks to the introduction of a new rehabilitation treatment.
The treatment, which was devised by the hospital's inpatient clinical lead physiotherapist Jackie Stayton, has reportedly cut the average length of stay by ten per cent.
It involves special exercises both before and after the operation, as well as regular assessment of the patient's walking.
Ms Stayton commented: "Clinical evidence shows that fit, strong patients get better more quickly than patients who are less fit so we decided to invite patients to an exercise class six weeks before the operation."
The clinical lead revealed that exercises have to be tailored to suit individuals, as each patient progresses at a different speed.
"We also helped them perfect a normal posture and gait, which is sometimes quite difficult after surgery," she added.
The private hospital, which is part of the new Spire Healthcare group formed from the sale of Bupa Hospitals, performs around 170
knee or
hip replacement procedures every year.
