Hampshire Orthopaedic Centre treats 1,000th patient

Hampshire Orthopaedic Centre is celebrating a major milestone after treating its 1,000th patient. Delivered in partnership between University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), Hampshire Orthopaedic Centre opened in September 2025.

In that time, the specialist facility has helped increase access to planned orthopaedic surgery, reduce last-minute cancellations, and enable patients to receive treatment sooner. It has achieved a 41% day-case rate to date, meaning almost half of patients are able to return home on the same day as their procedure.

Designed to increase capacity for elective care, the purpose-built centre, based at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, provides treatment for adults requiring procedures such as hip and knee replacements. By operating separately from emergency services, it is protected from many of the pressures affecting acute hospital sites, helping to reduce cancellations, improve patient flow and enhance patient experience.

David Higgs, trauma and orthopaedic consultant, UHS, said: “I was delighted to be part of this milestone, and operate on the 1,000th patient through Hampshire Orthopaedic Centre. It is built in the spirit of collaboration between provider trusts and increases the capacity we have across our hospitals for these treatments.

“The feedback from the patients has been really positive, they are in a purpose-built unit, with reduced waiting times and short length of stays. The figures show that 87% hip and knee patients are home by the next day with 41% of all patients treated going home the same day which shows the value of the unit - which has also received national accreditation as an Elective Hub which is great news for everyone who has been involved.”

The milestone procedure was carried out on patient Iris Osborne, aged 83 from North Baddesley. Iris underwent successful surgery and is already making good progress with her recovery, supported by the hub’s specialist team.

Speaking about her experience at Hampshire Orthopaedic Centre, Iris said: “I had a fall and from then on, the pain got so bad, I could hardly walk – I even had to get a wheelchair for my operation. The orthopaedic centre is so clean and bright, and the staff can’t do enough for you. When you’ve had a lot of pain, and then suddenly there isn’t any, you think thank goodness for that – it’s amazing.”