Hip replacement surgeries now being performed at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital

The availability of hip replacements, in addition to knee replacements, at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital is increasing access to joint replacement surgeries in our province, helping reduce wait lists.

(WATERVILLE) – Following the successful launch of knee replacement surgeries, the surgical team at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) is now improving access for orthopedic surgery patients who have been waiting for a new hip.

Total hip replacement surgeries are now being performed by Horizon surgeons and staff at URVH, who will see their first three patients today.

Expanding joint replacement surgery at this facility to include total hip replacements will help serve up to an additional 368 patients a year for a hip or a knee replacement surgery from the Fredericton and Upper River Valley areas, reduce wait times, and improve the patient experience.

Approximately 205 patients are currently waiting for hip surgery in the Upper River Valley and Fredericton area.

“This new program aligns perfectly with Horizon’s key priorities of improving access to surgeries and the overall patient experience,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim President and CEO. “I am proud of our surgical team’s commitment to ensuring that our patients can soon resume enjoying daily activities free from hip pain.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates further progress made by health authorities to reduce wait times for New Brunswickers,” said Bruce Fitch, Minister of Health. “Improving access to surgery is a key part of the provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action, which aims to develop an integrated health system with access to timelier and improved care.”

Other ongoing initiatives to increase access to surgical services at Horizon facilities include:

• operating rooms (OR) being open later during weekdays;
• re-allocation of OR block booking;
• assessment of those who have been waiting the longest;
• pre-assessment of patients;
• a $6.4 million investment to expand surgical services;
• the introduction of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program;
• investment in post-surgical monitoring equipment that will prevent surgery delays and cancellations; and
• investment in virtual reality simulation training for operating room nurses. 

“The staff and physicians of the Upper River Valley Hospital are pleased to support the extension of Horizon’s arthroplasty program into hip surgeries. This is an important step forward for the health of all New Brunswickers,” said Dr. Gurpreet Singh Ranger, Horizon’s chief of staff for the Upper River Valley area. “Successful implementation of the arthroplasty project has been a truly remarkable accomplishment by the staff and physicians of URVH. This reiterates the immense dedication, adaptability, and commitment of our staff to serve not only the local community, but also the wider population of New Brunswick.”

The expected recovery and discharge times are within 24 to 48 hours of a hip replacement surgery. In addition to instructions and advice patients will receive from their surgical team to prepare for their surgery and recovery, information is also available online at HorizonNB.ca.

Since December, surgical staff have successfully completed 111 total knee replacements at URVH.

Improving access to surgeries and other critical services is a key priority for Horizon’s plan to ensure all patients and clients receive the quality care they need. This plan consists of three other priorities, including improving recruitment and retention; improving overall patient experience; and improving patient flow at our health care facilities. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca.   This initiative also supports the Government of New Brunswick’s provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action.

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