March 5, 2026
GPHC Orthopaedic Department Completes 12 Joint Replacement Surgeries During Weekend Initiative
The Orthopaedic Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully completed another weekend of replacement 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 8 knee replacements and 4 hip replacements.
Typically, only emergency surgeries are done on the weekends at GPHC, and joint replacement surgeries are limited to two (2) 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 1 week each quarter to perform additional surgeries.
The average cost of one of these joint replacement surgeries costs approximately GYD $2,500,000, making initiatives such as this critical in expanding access to care for patients who may not otherwise be able to afford these procedures. Additionally, all procedures were performed by a local team of doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, and physiotherapists at GPHC, highlighting the institution’s growing in-house capability and commitment to delivering specialised orthopaedic care.
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.
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 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.
