1. WELCOME TO JOINT SCHOOL “caring is our passion” © Spire Healthcare

2. 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. © Spire Healthcare

3. 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. © Spire Healthcare

4. 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. © Spire Healthcare

5. 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. © Spire Healthcare

6. 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

7. What Is A Joint Replacement?  Why you need a new joint.  Anatomy.  A new joint.  X-rays. © Spire Healthcare

8. Pre-Admission Clinic  Usually 2-3 weeks prior to surgery.  Nurse clinic.  Physiotherapy assessment. © Spire Healthcare

9. Anaesthesia  Spinal anaesthesia.  Regional anaesthetic block.  General anaesthetic. © Spire Healthcare

10. Pain Management  Pain score:  Regular and ‘as required’ medication. © Spire Healthcare

11. 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. © Spire Healthcare

12. Your Patient Journey  Regular drug rounds.  Nurses will assist with washing/dressing.  Physiotherapy daily.  Sitting out for all meals.  X-ray.  Blood test. © Spire Healthcare

13. 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. © Spire Healthcare

14. 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. © Spire Healthcare

15. 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! © Spire Healthcare

16. Any Questions? © Spire Healthcare

17. THANK YOU This information is also available on our website www.spiregatwick.com/ER © Spire Healthcare