A pioneering pilot for CHFT knee replacement patients allows them to go home on the day of their surgery, using advanced digital health technology to monitor progress during their recovery.

Orthopaedic Consultant Graham Walsh told CHFT Weekly:  “This is the first day case knee replacement pathway in the UK using technology to deliver the results”.

The first procedures happened last week and both patients - pictured front of photo - were discharged within 12 hours. The average length of stay for most patients under normal circumstances is almost four days”.

At home the patients wear a digital sensor for exercising and also get a special TENS machine.

They are monitored remotely via an app and we have a dashboard so can alert them and make contact if they are not doing their exercise enough, or if they need to make adjustments.

It’s a two way communication and they can contact us with any queries or send their pictures. We also introduced a new dressing which allows the patient to shower and will reduce wound problem.

Graham added: “The enthusiasm everyone has shown getting this project off the ground has been a real inspiration.

“Every single member of the team has done their bit to make this happen and seeing how happy the patients were to be going home on the same day as their operation made it worthwhile.

“I really appreciate the effort everyone has put into this. They are all working together part of an exciting ground breaking procedure and I hope they realise this is breaking new ground in knee surgery in the UK and we are delivering this together”.

It is early days for the pilot. But the early benefits are clear: patients go home earlier which we know speeds up their recovery, it frees up beds for other surgical procedures and there is less risk of hospital acquired infection.

Matthew Swindells, Deputy Chief Executive and National Director - Operations and Information – NHSE was also impressed adding: “Brilliant work - Congratulations”.