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Hip Replacement Surgery Wait Times in Nova Scotia (2024)

Hip replacement surgery wait times can be long for Nova Scotia residents. Long wait times can potentially increase fall risk for seniors.

⬇️  Scroll down to compare hospitals by expected wait time. Always verify the current expected wait times with your primary care physician or referred specialist.

Hip replacement surgery is a medical procedure to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one. Hip replacement is common for patients suffering from severe arthritis or have sustained significant hip damage, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Wait 1 is defined as the time between a patient receiving a referral from a primary care physician and their specialist consultation. Wait 2 is defined as the time between the decision to proceed with surgery and the surgery itself.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Hip replacement surgery in Nova Scotia is a critical procedure performed when a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This surgery is commonly recommended for individuals experiencing severe arthritis or substantial hip injury, which can result in chronic pain and impaired mobility. The primary goals of the surgery are to alleviate pain, restore joint function, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients.

Patients in Nova Scotia identified as candidates for hip replacement can explore various options for artificial hip joints, which may be composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The selection of the joint type is influenced by factors such as the patient’s age, level of physical activity, and the surgeon’s expertise and preference.

The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia to maximize patient comfort throughout the procedure. It typically involves making an incision over the hip to remove the damaged sections of bone and cartilage, which are then replaced with the artificial joint. The operation generally lasts a few hours, with a subsequent hospital stay ranging from a few days to about a week, dependent on the patient’s health and specific surgical details.

Post-operative care is essential for a successful recovery. In Nova Scotia, patients receive comprehensive rehabilitation services beginning immediately post-surgery to encourage early mobilization. This early activity helps prevent blood clots and promotes better blood circulation. Physical therapy is crucial during the recovery phase, aiding patients in regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility. The rehabilitation plan is customized for each patient, typically starting in the hospital and extending to outpatient therapy or home-based exercises, depending on individual recovery needs.

Paying for hip replacement surgery in Nova Scotia

Hip replacement surgeries in Nova Scotia are generally offered at no direct cost to residents, as they are covered under the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Plan (MSI).

Funded through provincial taxes, MSI ensures that essential medical services are accessible to Nova Scotians without direct charges at the point of service.

Nova Scotia hospitals ranked by hip replacement surgery wait times

There are only five hospitals in Nova Scotia where hip replacement surgeries are performed:

  • Aberdeen Hospital reports the shortest wait time for hip replacement surgery in Nova Scotia, with an average wait of 32.6 weeks.
  • 🥉 Darmouth General Hospital secures the third position in wait times, with an average wait of 54.0 weeks for hip replacement surgery.
  • 🥇 Valley Regional Hospital  has the longest wait time in Nova Scotia for hip replacement surgery, with an average wait of 85.3 weeks.

Interpreting wait times & data limitations

Several factors can extend the average wait times for surgery in Nova Scotia. Clinical considerations often lead doctors to delay surgeries based on a patient’s medical needs or other priorities. Additionally, patients may postpone their procedures due to personal reasons like scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, or a preference to delay treatment. The availability of hospital operating rooms also plays a critical role. These spaces are necessary for surgeries but can be scarce if occupied for other medical procedures or impacted by labor shortages. Seasonal variations further influence both room availability and staffing levels, potentially prolonging wait times during certain periods.

Conversely, average wait times can sometimes seem shorter than anticipated due to various factors. Some patients have flexible schedules, allowing them to fill slots that become available unexpectedly, thus shortening their wait. This adaptability, when averaged with others, can make overall wait times appear more favorable. Seasonality affects this dynamic as well, with certain times of the year experiencing lower demand for surgeries or increased temporary staffing, which can enhance room availability and reduce delays.

We focus on calculating wait times for Priority 4 patients because data for Priority levels 2 and 3 are typically incomplete. Surgeons, specialists, and healthcare administrators use clinical evidence to set these priority levels and target times, aiming to improve patient access and outcomes.

Furthermore, our data does not include patients who opt out of surgery after their initial consultation with a specialist.

Advocating for better data access

We are thankful for the Province of Nova Scotia’s efforts in providing hospital wait times for surgeries. Nova Scotia stands out globally for its transparency in reporting hospital wait times and covers a wide array of medical procedures.

We encourage the Province of Nova Scotia to expand its data reporting to include average wait times by doctor, as seen in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. This information would greatly benefit patients by allowing them to choose doctors with shorter wait times.

Readers can consider reaching out to the Province of Nova Scotia to advocate for this beneficial change.

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