Patients waiting for surgery at Logan Hospital are now getting more support thanks to the Nurse Navigator - Alternate Care Pathways service.
Introduced mid last year, the service is led by experienced nurses Fiona Manderson and Sehee Lee.
The Nurse Navigators said the service was designed to help people facing long waits for specialist appointments, particularly those not yet ready for surgery due to other health issues such as weight, mobility or smoking.
“Others no longer needed hospital care but were still coming back for repeat check-ups,” Fiona said. “Now, instead of staying on these lists without progress, patients are linked with a Nurse Navigator who works with them to set personal health goals. Once they achieve these goals, they can be referred back for the surgery they need, such as a joint replacement or hernia repair.”
Patients say the extra support has made a real difference, with one describing it as ‘a light at the end of the tunnel’ after years of feeling stuck and discouraged.
“The service helps people know where to start, how to keep going, and gives them confidence they will reach surgery when they are ready,” Fiona said.
"By focusing on each patient’s journey, the Alternate Care Pathways service is helping to reduce wait times and free up capacity, while also giving people the support and confidence they need to achieve their health goals."