Emersons Green
Remember the song “All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth”? Now when NHS patients across the region are told by their GPS they need a new hip or knee, they could have the operation and be back on the dance floor for Christmas, if they ask to be referred for surgery to Emersons Green NHS Treatment Centre. Once patients have been assessed and accepted for treatment, they could have their operation in late summer or early autumn. With the enhanced recovery programmes provided by Emersons Green NHS Treatment Centre, patients referred in the next six weeks could be well on the road to full mobility and a pain-free Christmas – the perfect gift if they have been in pain for some time. Rob Thomas, the centre’s hospital director, said: “Our waiting times for joint replacement surgery are currently short, which means if anyone has been waiting for surgery for a while, or if they simply want to be treated sooner, they can exercise their right to choose where they receive their NHS treatment and come to us. “If their GP agrees they need surgery, patients can ask their GPS to refer them to us. The same goes for people who have been on a waiting list for a while – they can contact their local referral management centre and request a swap.” Rob added: “There is no reason for any NHS patient in the region, who needs a new knee or hip, to be in pain for longer than is necessary: we have the capacity to provide surgery without the wait. “If you have been told you must wait for longer than 18 weeks, you have the right to ask to be moved to a shorter list.” The hospital is currently seeing joint replacement surgery patients for pre-operation assessments within a fortnight of receiving their referral from the musculoskeletal practitioners at the interface service. For more information call Emersons Green Treatment Centre on 0333 999 7641 or visit www.emersonsgreentreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/