BATHURST Hospital's investment in orthopaedics has paid off, with new data showing a below average number of readmissions following total hip replacements.
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There were “lower than expected readmissions” at Bathurst Hospital compared to others across the state, data from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) shows.
Released this week, the BHI data assessed readmissions for nine clinical conditions, including total hip replacements, at hospitals across NSW.
Orthopaedics has been a focus at Bathurst Hospital in recent years, with two orthopaedic surgeons posted to the hospital in August, 2015.
This was in addition to two visiting orthopaedic surgeons.
“Growth in the local population demands orthopaedic services be delivered locally both in terms of an aging population who look to joint replacement surgery to improve their quality of life, as well as the younger population growth who sustain fractures,” a Western NSW Local Health District spokesman said of the expanded services.
“Bathurst Hospital and Western NSW Local Health District aim to deliver services as close to home as possible for patients and is pleased to offer these services in Bathurst.”
The spokesman credited Bathurst Hospital’s discharge processes as the reason why the hospital had a lower than expected number of readmissions.
“[It] allow patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery to leave hospital in a manner that best aids their recovery,” he said.
The spokesman said Bathurst Hospital has transitioned to a post-acute care program.
“Patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery are followed up in their own home by both nursing and allied health staff to ensure their transition back into the community is smooth and reduces the incidence of complications,” he said.
“Bathurst Hospital is always looking to improve and expand services where the population shows a need for services.”