Latest update March 5th, 2026 12:35 AM
12 joint surgeries done at GPHC last weekend
(Kaieteur News) – The Orthopaedic Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully completed another weekend of surgeries as part of its ongoing quarterly initiative to reduce the current backlog of patients awaiting joint replacement procedures.
Over the weekend, Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, the team completed 12 joint replacement surgeries, including eight knee replacements and four hip replacements.
According to the hospital, only emergency surgeries are done on the weekends at GPHC, and joint replacement surgeries are limited to two per week, as operating theatre time is shared among multiple surgical specialties. However, to address the long list of patients awaiting joint replacement surgeries, the department team dedicates one week each quarter to perform additional surgeries.
GPHC Orthopaedic Department conducting joint replacement surgeries.
All procedures were performed by a local team of doctors, nurses, anesthetists, and physiotherapists at GPHC.
The hospital noted that the average cost of one joint replacement surgery is approximately $2,500,000. As such, it stated that initiatives such as this are critical in expanding access to care for patients who may not otherwise be able to afford these procedures.
GPHC said that the recent weekend activities also served as a valuable teaching and learning opportunity for residents, as the surgeries were conducted as a cottage initiative, allowing them to gain hands-on exposure and practical experience in knee and hip replacement procedures.
“This aspect of the initiative supports the continued development of future specialists while strengthening the hospital’s training environment,” it was stated.
According to the department, there was also a strong staff turnout throughout the weekend, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise. The surgeries were described as smooth and seamless, reflecting the coordination, preparedness, and dedication of the orthopaedic team and supporting staff.
GPHC said it remains committed to enhancing the delivery of orthopaedic services through initiatives such as these, ensuring that patients benefit from quality care while also building local capacity within the health system.
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