New Brunswick’s English-language health authority said Wednesday that hip and knee replacements at a hospital in Carleton County would help reduce wait lists for joint replacement surgeries.
The Horizon Health Network said the surgical team at the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) is improving access for orthopedic surgery patients waiting on a new hip — following its recent venture of performing knee replacement surgeries.
“This new program aligns perfectly with Horizon’s key priorities of improving access to surgeries and the overall patient experience,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim president and CEO.
“I am proud of our surgical team’s commitment to ensuring that our patients can soon resume enjoying daily activities free from hip pain.”
The network said expanding joint replacement surgery will help up to 368 more patients from the Upper River Valley and Fredericton areas to receive hip or knee replacements.
Two-hundred-five patients are currently waiting for hip surgery. According to the regional health authority, it will also reduce wait times for those patients and improve the hospital experience.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates further progress made by health authorities to reduce wait times for New Brunswickers,” said Bruce Fitch, New Brunswick’s health minister.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Ranger, Horizon’s chief of staff for the Upper River Valley area, said staff and physicians are pleased to support expanding Horizon’s arthroplasty program, calling it “an important step forward” for New Brunswickers.
“Successful implementation of the arthroplasty project has been a truly remarkable accomplishment by the staff and physicians of URVH,” he said.
“This reiterates the immense dedication, adaptability and commitment of our staff to serve not only the local community, but also the wider population of New Brunswick.”