Wait Times for Hip & Knee Replacements Dramatically Reduced

Average wait time for Sunnybrook patients now eight weeks for joint replacement, down from several months.

Patients can expect to wait an average of about eight weeks for a total joint replacement procedure at Sunnybrook. This is down from an average of 30-40 weeks a few short years ago.

This reduction in wait time at Sunnybrook's Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre is a result of participation in the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Wait Time Strategy. The Holland Centre has created a new model of care that is being implemented across the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network. Sunnybrook's Holland Centre is one of six hospitals in the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network that is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times for hip and knee replacement surgery.

"There is a misconception that our wait lists are still incredibly long. The reality is that you don't have to wait as long as you might think for a hip or knee replacement and you can plan your surgery around your life, not the other way around," says Dr. John Murnaghan, orthoapedic surgeon, Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre. "You also have choice as a patient, you can request a particular surgeon or ask to have an appointment with the surgeon with the next available appointment, which includes senior surgeons."

A highlight of the system is using Advanced Practice Physiotherapists who are specially trained to conduct comprehensive physical assessments, provide education and offer treatment options to patients. If it appears that patients require a hip or knee replacement, a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon is arranged. The goal is to ensure that each patient is assessed promptly after referral and provided with the information they need to maximize their function, whether they are going on to see the surgeon or not. Advanced Practice Physiotherapists also see patients for long term follow-up after surgery in a team approach with the orthopaedic surgeons.

"The Holland Centre coordinates the entire care experience for hip and knee patients from assessment through to surgery and post-operative follow-up," says Matthew Anderson, CEO, Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network. "Tens of thousands of people from Toronto and across Ontario have been able to recover faster and better as a result of the Holland Centre's approach to hip and knee replacement surgery."