PEOPLE were invited to take a behind-the-scenes look around a hospital and watch a live surgery.
Goole and District Hospital opened up its orthopaedic department yesterday so members of the public could look around the wards, ask questions about surgery and watch a knee replacement operation and shoulder
procedure.
The event was organised by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust to showcase the different types of surgery available at the community hospital.
General manager Anthony Fitzgerald said: "We wanted to showcase the good things about the NHS and give people the chance to hear from consultants, therapy teams and patients who have been through operations at the hospital.
"What we're trying to do is dispel some myths. A lot of people living in the area think you have to go to larger hospitals for this sort of surgery, but that isn't true."
It is estimated that by 2037, the number of people aged 65 and over will account for 25 per cent of the population.
Goole and District Hospital sees more than 2,000 out-
patients a year in the orthopaedic department.
The day-long event started with a presentation by consultant orthopaedic surgeon and clinical director Peter Molitor.
Mr Molitor then talked through a knee replacement surgery, which was broadcast live from a theatre in the hospital.
The crowd of up to 100 GPs, trust employees, former patients and members of the public squealed and laughed nervously as they watched surgeon Ricardo Pacheco pull out a large drill to cut holes in the bone.
Onlookers could inspect in detail each part of the
surgery process and ask questions throughout the screening.
Paul Arrand, 51, of Hessle, believes he may need knee replacement surgery in the future and went to find out more about the procedure.
He said: "I have a big problem with my right knee, so I wanted to go along to ask questions.
"I found watching the surgery really interesting – it was something I've always wanted to see.
"I'm not squeamish and blood doesn't bother me at all, so I was fine seeing it all.
"I thought it was really informative."
After the surgery, visitors were able to ask questions of Mr Pacheco.
He told them the surgery had gone well and that the patient would be able to walk very soon after the
operation.
Speaking just 20 minutes after the surgery, he said: "The patient is very good and is happy with the result.
"He is lifting his leg already.
"We used a tourniquet around the leg, which meant there wasn't a lot of blood during the operation."
One audience member asked if there was any age restrictions on orthopaedic operations.
Mr Pacheco said: "I don't deny a knee operation to
anyone because they are too young or because they are overweight.
"With younger patients you have to remember they are more active, so, just like a car part, the replacement will not last as long as it is being used more.
"If you're in pain, it a case of quality of life and what choices are available.
"In young patients, there might be other things that can be done."
