The expansion of quality health care service continues as North Fulton Regional Hospital executes its Joint Replacement Center.  This venture comes after numerous physical and technological upgrades that will continue throughout this year.            

     “What makes this program different from some others is the group element, which is so motivating,” Pat Moorhead, Director of Rehabilitation Services at North Fulton Regional Hospital said.  This group component exists not only in the pre-operation classes but also after the procedure has been done.

     The program is a comprehensive orthopedic service consisting of pre-operative classes, physical and occupational therapy, orthopedic nursing, individual therapy and group therapy.  The primary focus and goal is to get the patients out of the hospital so they can return to their homes.

     Contributing to the success of this program is the educational component for both the patients and their family members.  This provides everyone involved with the general knowledge necessary before committing to a surgical procedure with the goal of maximizing comfort.  Physical and occupational therapists and nurses participate in the pre-operative classes and give patients information on anesthesia, pain medications and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.  With this program, there are no surprises.

     Once out of surgery, patients begin with individual therapy and then move to group therapy sessions once they are able to move around easier.  These sessions can become intensely competitive, Moorhead explains.

     “Some patients will come in saying, ‘now how far did they walk today?’ wanting to walk further.”  This promotes quicker recovery times and increases morale among the patients.  Patients also receive instruction and practice in basic everyday activities such as getting dressed.  Repetitive practice with these skills is essential for patients to have success upon returning to their homes.

     The total length of time patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a total joint replacement is usually three days, according to Moorhead, and recovery time once discharged varies with six weeks being typical.  Patients are encouraged to participate in North Fulton’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Program, which could promote quicker recovery times.

     North Fulton Regional Hospital (NFRH), part of Tenet Georgia, is a 167-bed, acute-care hospital located on Highway 9, Alpharetta Highway, in Roswell.  Opened in 1983, NFRH serves North Fulton and surrounding counties through its team of over 1000 employees, 450 staff physicians and 250 volunteers.  NFRH is a state-designated Level II trauma center and provides a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, orthopedics, rehabilitation, surgical services, bariatric surgical weight loss, gastroenterology and oncology.  The hospital is fully accredited and also is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. 

     To learn more about the Joint Replacement Center at North Fulton Regional Hospital, visit www.northfultonregional.com/joint.