Orthopaedic Unit

Since its opening in February 1994, the Orthopaedic Unit at John Flynn Private Hospital has provided major orthopaedic services to patients from the Gold Coast, Tweed and Northern NSW regions.

A number of Australia's most experienced orthopaedic surgeons provide a wide range of procedures in this Unit and are ably assisted by a highly skilled nursing and allied health team. The combined Orthopaedic Team offer a wealth of experience and expertise to patients to achieve optimal clinical outcomes, with the priority being “your recovery and safe discharge home”.

OUR FACILITIES

• The Unit is located on the 2nd Floor of the Main Hospital Building and has 24 private spacious rooms, each with ensuite, TV and WiFi access.
• Physiotherapy - Our highly trained orthopaedic physiotherapists assist patients to regain movement, strength and independence following surgery.

  The physiotherapists work in partnership with the doctors and nurses to provide personalised care tailored to facilitate the individuals optimal recovery. This includes exercises, prescription of walking aids, gait re-education, education on slings and braces (if appropriate) and advice on post-operative and discharge management.

• Access to Rehabilitation and Outpatient Rehabilitation programs if required
• Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Discharge Planning Service
  The Discharge Planning Service coordinates a multidisciplinary approach to our patient’s continuity of care. The Discharge Team ensures patients are discharged with appropriate care and advice on the use of community resources and services according to their needs.

Pre-admission Clinic (for hip and knee replacement surgery)

John Flynn Private Hospital has a Pre-admission Clinic for orthopaedic joint replacement patients. The clinic is conducted by a clinician, and attendance at the clinic will assist you to prepare for your surgery and discharge. A staff member from the clinic will phone you to arrange a convenient time for you to attend.

Attendance at the Pre-admission Clinic means that admission on the day of surgery is possible.

The activities of the Pre-admission Clinic include:

• Completion of a detailed nursing history.
• Recording of an ECG (tracing of your hearts activity) and a blood pressure reading.
• Measurement of your height and weight.
• Measure and fitting of elastic (TED) stockings – (if applicable).
• Provision of a medisponge to take home.
• A discussion regarding your discharge plan, home modifications, equipment use and hire.
• General information session detailing your admission process, post-operative care and discharge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

• How long will I be in hospital?
  Our average length of stay for a joint replacement is 3 to 5 days, however, we are more goal focused than time focused. Once you are independent with getting in and out of bed, showering independently and going to the toilet independently we consider discharge.
• Will it hurt?
  Every effort will be made to minimise your post-operative pain and discomfort. Our doctors and nurses are well versed in controlling post-operative pain and utilise many different methods. It is important that the patient is involved in their own pain management and therefore we encourage open communication regarding the effectiveness of the pain relief being used. We encourage you to tell your nurses how well we are managing your pain, or more importantly if you need extra pain relief.
• What do I need to bring to hospital?
  • Loose fitting pyjamas and a dressing gown.
  • Closed in slippers / shoes.
  • Toiletries.
  • All x-ray films, investigations and reports.
  • A list of current medications from your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Medications in their original packaging (no dosette boxes or unlabelled pill bottles).
  • A small sum of money and minimal jewellery.
• Will I have a private room?
  We have 24 private rooms on the Orthopaedic Unit. Due to the nature of hospital occupancy, individual rooms are not able to be booked prior to admission
• Will I need rehabilitation?
  You may need ongoing physiotherapy and support prior to returning home. This is available at our rehabilitation unit which is situated on the hospital campus. If rehabilitation is required it will be discussed with you during your hospital stay. You will then be visited by one of the Rehabilitation Team and they will provide you with all relevant information.
• Will I need physiotherapy when I go home?
  Ongoing physiotherapy in not usually required, you will be taught the exercise program appropriate for your surgery before you leave hospital. There is however an outpatient rehabilitation service if you should require it. This will be discussed with you prior to your discharge.

For more information please contact your specialist or the Nurse Unit Manager, Orthopaedic Unit on (07) 5598 9027.

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS