Wesley Healthcare
December 10, 2013

WICHITA, Kan. – Hip and knee replacement patients at Galichia Heart Hospital are getting more than new joints – they’re getting new leases on life.

The hospital’s orthopedic program recently established a comprehensive approach to joint replacement that guides patients through their surgeries and recoveries, so they’re back to their lives as soon – and fully – as possible.

“The hospital stay for joint replacement surgery is relatively quick – less than three days – but it’s one of the most major and life-changing procedures we do,” said Amanda Page, Galichia’s knee and hip program coordinator and nurse navigator. “Joint replacement surgery really improves our patients’ quality of life – from little things like sleeping easier, to major things like getting back to work and spending time with family – but patients have to stay on top of their medications and therapy to fully heal and get back in the swing of their lives.”

The Rapid Recovery program at Galichia, a campus of Wesley Medical Center, is a thorough process, and one that’s proven life-changing for patients.

“Recently, we cared for a rancher who hadn’t been able to ride horses in years,” Page said. “His hip hurt too much to even lead his grandchildren on their ponies. But once we replaced it, after some physical therapy, he was back in the saddle. He’s leading his grandkids in showmanship classes – he’s back to doing what he loves.”

“Not only that, but he’s decided to come back in to get his other hip replaced. Patients like him tell us we’re doing something right.”

Developed from the award-winning program at Wesley, the Rapid Recovery program at Galichia includes pre-surgery classes, where Page or other orthopedic caregivers walk patients through what they can expect, including surgery preparation, the surgery itself and their outpatient therapy.

“Our knee and hip classes only last an hour, but that hour makes everything so much easier and better,” Page said. “Once patients know exactly what to expect, and when to expect it, they can mentally prepare themselves for the healing process.”

Patients who are unable to attend the hip and knee classes in-person can request to have the materials mailed to them, which they can review while on the phone with Page. And once they arrive at the hospital, Page is once again by their sides, visiting several times per day to ensure their needs are met.

“I’m there for anything, whether my patients have a question about their treatment or they have a family member who needs help finding the cafeteria,” she said. “If they’re not comfortable, they’re not going to heal well, and I want to do everything I can to help with that.”

These check-ins not only let Page stay abreast of patients’ wants and needs, but also help shape the program, which is part of Galichia’s expanding scope of services.

“Galichia’s long been known for its excellent heart care, but we’re constantly growing and improving our range of services,” said Steve Edgar, Galichia’s CEO. “This outstanding joint replacement program is just one of many expanding service lines offered at Galichia, and we’re extremely pleased to be able to offer this service to the community.”

The comprehensive joint replacement program has been in place since earlier this year. As Page and her colleagues continue refining their processes, they continue seeing positive, life-altering changes from their patients.

“The most amazing thing about our patients is that these are people who have chosen to have surgery, have chosen to improve their lives,” Page said. “And that’s exactly what happens. We love that we’re able to help people so much.”

To reserve space at one of the monthly hip and knee educational classes, call 316-962-6000. For more information about Wesley Medical Center and its services, please visit www.wesleymc.com.

Wesley Medical Center is the region’s leading acute care hospital network providing a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for patients throughout Kansas and northern Oklahoma since 1912. As a leader in Overall Recommended Care, Wesley treats more than 24,000 patients annually and delivers more than 6,000 babies – more than any hospital in a 13-state region. Wesley provides the most extensive emergency network in Wichita, with Wesley ER, Wesley West ER and Galichia ER. Wesley owns and operates Galichia Heart Hospital, WesleyCare Clinics and the Pediatric Center of Kansas. To learn more about Wesley Medical Center, please visit wesleyintensivecaring.com.