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Mike Urmston is feeling optimistic about his future after undergoing a total knee replacement as part of Albury Wodonga Health’s Bone Week. 

Over the course of a week, straddling late March and early April, AWH coordinated a streamlined theatre process for 17 patients requiring various joint replacement surgeries. In doing so, AWH saved close to 60 bed days and enabled patients to return home sooner with appropriate support for their recovery. 

Participants in Bone Week were chosen according to a strict selection criteria including degree of joint damage, deterioration in fitness and overall health. 

Mike had been waiting 15 months for his knee replacement and couldn’t walk far when he heard about Bone Week. 

‘I was keen to be involved,’ Mike said. 

‘The team helped me to access physiotherapy in preparation for the surgery, so I would be better placed for my recovery. 

‘Throughout the process, I have been treated with respect and my recovery is going to plan. 

‘The team has checked on me and provided some additional equipment to help with my post-surgery exercises. 

‘The recovery will take some time, but I am feeling optimistic about the future. 

‘While I was waiting for my knee surgery, I also tore my rotator cuff. Now that both have been repaired, I am looking forward to resuming the activities that I really enjoy,’ he said.  

Until Suzanne Siemens had her hip replaced during Bone Week, she didn’t realise how much pain she had been enduring. Now recovering from surgery, she is looking forward to everything life has to offer. 

Mrs Siemens’ journey began six years ago when she was told that she would need a hip replacement. 

‘I thought I was too young for a hip replacement, so I exercised and did pilates. But it became apparent that I really would need the surgery, so about three years ago, I was put on the waiting list. 

‘When Albury Wodonga Health got in touch about the Bone Week trial, I thought it sounded good, so decided to get involved. 

‘The whole process was quite good. I felt well-informed, I knew what to expect and on the day of the procedure I found everyone to be very attentive. It didn’t feel at all rushed. 

‘I was worried that I would find it difficult to manage once I got home, but the physio was able to give me advice and reassurance, so I ended up feeling quite confident that I could cope. And I did. 

‘The follow-up has been good. The staff have kept a close eye on me, and I have appreciated that.’ 

As her recovery progresses, Mrs Siemens is looking forward to getting back to work as a teacher and being able to look after her grandchildren. 

Director of Nursing – Perioperative and Surgical Services, Helen Roberts-Thompson, said Bone Week was the culmination of months of hard work and commitment. 

‘Multiple teams from across the organisation came together to help prepare for and deliver the Bone Week initiative,’ Ms Roberts-Thompson said. 

‘From selection of patients to scheduling of surgeries, pre- and post-surgery physiotherapy programs, theatre preparations and more – it was a huge team effort. 

‘Collectively we saved up to 60 bed days, which is significant. 

‘Importantly we are seeing great outcomes for our patients who were able to return home sooner and commence their recovery. 

‘As well as saving bed days, Bone Week has freed up theatre time for other patients on our waiting list who have more significant joint damage and deterioration of their fitness. 

‘Overall, Bone Week is a wonderful example of empowering our teams to work together and deliver safe, connected care for our community. 

‘We hope to repeat the success of Bone Week in the near future,’ she said.