A new clinic at Palmerston North hospital will reduces the challenges experienced by patients in hip or knee replacements, as they have initiated there first weekly Joint Care Clinics, which was reported to have held yesterday for 5 patients in the orthopaedic ward.

The session which lasted for 2-hours, enlightened patients on how to prepare for their surgery, their admission in the hospital and what happens to them after they are discharged.

Maria Shaw, the Lead clinical nurse specialist has stated, "The establishment of the Joint Care Clinic is all about supporting our patients by providing practical information that's given by the same team who will provide the care and support to patients during their time in hospital and after they are discharged".

The Clinic is said to be practical and see patients through the entire process starting from two weeks before surgery, and then their rehabilitation at home.

In the process of these practical sessions, patients get to be informed by nursing staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers, as well as shown how to use equipment that would be necessary to their rehabilitation.

Moreover, the aim of the new Joint Care Clinic and Guide Booklet is said to properly inform patients that have been provided with accurate information on the surgery they are having along with expectations during surgery, recovery, the ward and at home.