BBC News reports on BPMpathway hospital trial

As was reported by BBC News on 31.1.19, Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire has become the first in Wales to trial BPMpathway. It is hoped it will help patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery to return home quicker, free up beds and enable clinicians to improve patient experience, reduce the potential for hospital-acquired infections and re-distribute resources.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr. Bala Ramesh stated that the device cost less than £100. In comparison, he said, a patient staying in hospital for several days and requiring multiple physio appointments cost about £1,700. Mr. Ramesh added:

‘It could be a way of taking pressure away from the NHS and it could also have a massive impact on the physiotherapy demands as well’

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said while the scheme would not be suitable for everyone, the trial might help reduce a backlog of cases. The Board has more than 13,000 people needing an orthopaedic operation – with more than 3,000 waiting longer than the 36-week target.

Surgical manager Paul Andrew said: ‘This could well be the future of sustainable service delivery. We are improving patient experience, reducing the potential for hospital-acquired infections and allowing them to recover at home, thus freeing up beds. This would allow us to re-distribute the resource elsewhere to meet the targets.’

To read the full BBC News article, please click here.