The Joint Success project introduced Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles to improve outcomes for people undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.
The project focused on supporting functional recovery, minimising inflammation and pain, and helping patients return home sooner. The project began at Maitland Hospital in 2024 and expanded in 2025 to the Hunter Joint Centre. It was introduced as the standard model of care, giving hip and knee replacement patients access to ERAS principles. Key elements included pre-operative patient education, specialised surgical and post-operative care, mobilisation on the day of surgery, wraparound icepacks, limb elevation, focus on early discharge, and staff training and education.
218 patients benefitted from the project, with 66% of that total having access to ERAS principles. Compared to 2023-24, the average length of stay (LOS) decreased from 8 days to 1.92. Patients using ERAS principles had an average stay of 1.61 days, with 60% discharged by day one and 86% by day two. The project saved approximately 1,308 bed days, equating to a financial saving of $1.96 million.
The 2026 Health Innovation Award is proudly sponsored by Healthcare Home Loans
