Builder praises same-day shoulder surgery

Wayne Hawkins, right, sat with Dr Bijayendra, has become the first person to be discharged from Medway Maritime Hospital on the same day as a shoulder replacement

A Kent builder says he is looking forward to a second shoulder surgery after becoming the first patient at a Gillingham hospital to have a replacement and be discharged the same day.

Wayne Hawkins, 62, who previously suffered with arthritis, was back home in time for dinner after having the procedure at the Medway Maritime Hospital.

Mr Hawkins, from Sittingbourne, said his experience of the surgery was "exceptional" and that everything "ran like clockwork".

A spokesperson for the hospital said the surgery should "shift perceptions" on the length of procedures, adding it was "the future of healthcare".

Normally the surgery would see patients take two to three days before being discharged, Medway Maritime Hospital said.

Mr Hawkins said the arthritis in his shoulders had been affecting his mood.

Following the surgery in January, he added: "The relief after just a few days was amazing.

"The movement is better already – it's still healing, but it's significantly improved my quality of life."

Mr Hawkins received an X-ray to check the success of the operation, before being discharged the same day.

Professor Bijayendra Singh, who carried out the procedure, said: "I want to do what is best for the patient.

"Day surgery offers real benefits, including quicker recovery and the comfort of being in your own home that same day. If we can make that happen safely, it's better for everyone."

He added there were "multiple teams involved - anaesthetics, recovery, imaging, and our surgical recovery team".