At the St. Mary-Corwin Joint Replacement Center we believe in a team approach when treating each patient. Our team of skilled nurses, surgeons and technicians monitor and treat each patient with top-quality health care. Our team includes:

Orthopedic Surgeon
The Orthopedic Surgeon is the skilled physician who performs the procedure to repair the damaged joint.

Joint Care Coordinator
The Joint Care Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the patient's care needs from the surgeon's office, to the hospital, and home. The Joint Care Coordinator will:

• Review what will be needed at home after surgery, including support if required.
• Assess and plan for specific care needs such as anesthesia and medical clearance for surgery.
• Coordinate each patient's discharge plan to home or a facility with additional support.
• Act as the patient advocate throughout the course of treatment from surgery to discharge.
• Answer questions and coordinate hospital care with Center for Joint Replacement team members.

Registered Nurse (RN)
Much of the patient's care is provided by a nurse. Our nurses ensure that orders given by the physician are completed including medications and monitoring vital signs.

Physical Therapist (PT)
The physical therapist guides each patient's return to functional daily activities. They will develop a plan for exercises to help regain strength and mobility to reach the peak level of functioning. They assist patients with using walkers and reclining chairs to support proper exercise.

Occupational Therapist (OT)
The occupational therapist guides the performing of daily tasks such as bathing and dressing with the new joint. They may demonstrate special equipment used in the home after replacement; including shower benches, rails and raised toilets.

Anesthesiologist
The anesthesiologist is a physician who administers medications during the surgery. These drugs may diminish pain and sedate patients during the procedure.

Case Manager, RN
A Case Manager will work with the Joint Care Coordinator on the patient's Discharge Plan to ensure needs following hospitalization will be met.

Social Worker
In some situations, the physician may request the help of a Social Worker to arrange patient care upon discharge from the hospital.

Coaches
A coach is a family member, friend or trained volunteer that has been designated to be by the patient's side from the pre-op process through the stay in the hospital and discharge. They will attend pre-op class, give support during exercise classes, and keep the patient focused on healing.