Knee replacement patient goes home on same day as op

Nico Steenkamp (second left) had the operation in the morning and was home by early evening

A former rugby player has become a hospital's first knee replacement patient to go home on the same day as his surgery.

Nico Steenkamp, 39, from Peterborough, whose knee was "crumbling away", had his operation in the morning and was home by early evening.

Patients at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, would usually be on the ward for up to three days, but Mr Steenkamp was described as a "model" patient who wanted to "mobilise as soon as he was back from theatres".

Surgeon Jonathan White said staff now aimed to get patients "home in time to put their feet up in front of the TV".

Mr Steenkamp, who is an under-16s rugby coach, is hoping to "get his life back"

Mr Steenkamp said: "I was happy to be sent home. No-one wants to lie in a hospital bed.

"We all watch the TV and see that there are not many beds available and I am glad I could have played a little part in freeing up some space."

At home, his care continued via the hospital's new "virtual ward", which allowed him to speak to medics remotely.