New hip and knee surgery centre focuses on innovation

EDMONTON  - The newly opened Orthopedic Surgery Centre (OSC) located on the Royal Alexandra Hospital campus consolidates hip and knee surgeries into one, high-efficiency surgical environment.

“This new state-of-the-art facility builds on the commitment made in our 5-Year Health Action Plan to put people first,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Health and Wellness. “This innovative approach to patient care will not only provide Albertans with better access to orthopedic surgeries, but they will also benefit from the innovation and research developed at the new centre.”

“This centre is specifically designed to meet the needs of patients needing hip and knee surgeries,” said Ken Hughes, Chair, Alberta Health Services Board. “Consolidating these low-intensity surgeries in one location is more efficient and a more effective use of our health professionals’ time and energy. The use of consistent care pathways and best-practice processes will ensure the healthiest outcomes for the patients served here.”

Existing elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty cases from the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) were transferred and consolidated at the OSC starting on Monday, November 15, 2010.  The initial operational plan for the site includes transferring approximately 24 beds and running two operating rooms to complete 1,400 existing low intensity arthroplasty procedures previously done at the RAH. High intensity surgeries will continue to be completed at the RAH main surgical suite.

“The Orthopedic Surgery Centre was designed to improve accessibility and quality of services, while sharing resources with the Royal Alex campus,” said Dr. Don Dick, medical lead of bone and joint health in Edmonton. “The patient care model at the Centre will be able to apply more effective care processes through a consistent care path that is specific to the arthroplasty patient and staff's needs.”

The new 56-bed facility includes in-house central services, rehabilitation and basic diagnostic imaging capability. New computerized laser navigation equipment for implant placement will be available in the operating rooms and is anticipated to improve quality of surgery and patient outcomes.

By working collaboratively with the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, the Orthopedic Surgery Centre will become a part of Alberta’s first integrated provincewide network of bone and joint care. This interconnected model of research and treatment will mean that best practices are developed faster, and discoveries made in the laboratory are brought to the bedside sooner, which will ultimately benefit all Albertans, not just those who reside in Edmonton.

“Our donors are deeply committed to this new facility because they understand the positive outcome it will have on the lives of Albertans living with damaged joints,” said Debby Carlson, Chair, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and Director, Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. 

The majority of in-patient rooms at the Centre are private, offering improved infection control and increased patient satisfaction. Patient rooms are also larger than standard hospital rooms, enabling patients and physiotherapists to move around easily and safely with aids, walkers and other equipment that helps contribute to quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays; which can increase capacity for additional surgeries.

When the Orthopedic Surgery Centre is operating at full capacity the site will support approximately 3,500 to 4,000 cases each year.

Alberta Health Services is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality health care to all Albertans. With nearly $5 billion invested in active construction currently, AHS has more than 1,000 projects in various stages of completion in every zone of this province.

Taking into account the diverse needs of Albertans, AHS is strategically investing in the health system to support patients and communities to stay healthy and manage illness effectively.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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