Our clinic at Ridge Meadows Hospital provides a standardized referral process for patients who are potential candidates for elective total hip or knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. An intake team triages referrals based on appropriateness, medical fitness and urgency.
A referring physician can choose their preferred surgeon or the next available surgeon, which can help reduce the wait time for an appointment. Patients who are a surgical candidate (moderate to advanced osteoarthritis) are provided with pre-operative education and support to ensure they are in optimal health and to reduce the risk of complications.
Our Surgeons
Our current team of orthopedic surgeons include:
- Dr. S. Bhachu
- Dr. B. Chancey
- Dr. A. Lobo
Before Surgery
Before deciding to have surgery, review the following resource to guide you in your decision and to get ready for surgery:
- Before, During and After Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery – A Patient’s Guide (Available in Punjabi, Persian, Traditional and Simplified Chinese upon request)
Surgical Wait Times
It may be helpful for you to review the B.C. Surgical Wait Times for hip or knee replacements to decide where and when you want surgery. Your wait time can vary, however most people are offered a surgical date within 6 months after you sign consent for surgery. You are notified approximately 4 weeks in advance with a surgical date. You are on the cancellation list unless you do not want to be contacted for last minute dates or have any scheduled travel plans. Please notify the staff if you have any plans that may delay surgery. There may be additional tests and appointments to attend prior to your surgery. Use the time while you are waiting to improve your health and fitness.
Exercise
Being in optimal health and fitness prior to surgery can quicken your recovery. The exercise guides below can help you strengthen your muscles. You will be referencing these guides during your recovery in the hospital, at home, and at your out-patient physiotherapy appointments.
Commitment
Please review the Commitment Letter to ensure that you have your appointments and surgery organized.
After Surgery
The average length of stay in the hospital after a hip or knee replacement is usually one or two days. It is important to be mentally and physically prepared before you come into the hospital. If you feel that you may need additional help after surgery, contact the Home Health Service Line.
Parking and Transportation
Payment methods to purchase parking:
- Pay Station
- hangTag app (through apple app store or google play store)
- hangTag Park + Pay (no app required, see link below)
| Parking rate | Main lots (1505) |
| hangTag Park + Pay |
641505 |
| First hour | $3.50 |
| Each additional hour | $3.00 |
| Day rate (6 - 6) | $8.25 |
| Evenings | $5.25 |
| 1 month permit* | $35.25 |
*If you have difficulty paying for parking, financial hardship permits may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please talk to your unit social worker for more information or contact Parking Administration at 604-930-5440 (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or email LMCParking@fraserhealth.ca.
Please note: the 1 month permit option at the pay station requires a coupon code. See onsite patient ambassador for coupon code and additional details.
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eligibility
Ages 18 and over.
Referral
A physician will need to complete the referral form and fax it to our clinic, along with a recent x-ray. Our intake team will review the referral and if you are eligible for a hip or knee replacement, you will be contacted by phone to set up a surgical consult. If you are not a surgical candidate or do not want surgery within six months, you may be referred back to your physician with information about alternative methods of treatment.
Resources
Once you and your surgeon have decided on having surgery, please review the resource below to help you get prepared for a successful surgery. You will also be attending a Joint Replacement Education Class at Ridge Meadows Hospital, where you will obtain a requisition for equipment and access supports to help prepare yourself mentally and physically for surgery.
- Ridge Meadows Hospital – Preparing for your surgery.