Woman returns to work after two hip replacements in 12 months

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 14:53 · Archive

A 67-year-old from Redditch returned to work after having two hip replacements within 12 months by using NHS Patient Choice to access faster treatment.

Joy Cullen, 67, from Redditch, quit her job managing a garden centre after months of severe hip pain left her unable to walk and reliant on an electric scooter. She was told she could face a year-long wait on the NHS for hip surgery.

Instead, Ms Cullen used the Patient Choice scheme to access treatment at Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham. She had both hips replaced within 12 months. She said: 'Once referred, it was just five weeks from my consultant appointment to having my operation.' She added: 'I definitely think I'd still be waiting for that surgery now if I hadn't been prepared to travel to Practice Plus Group in Birmingham.'

Ms Cullen has now returned to part-time work. She said: 'I'm not using my electric scooter and I've started going walking with my husband, which I haven't been able to do for probably two and a half years.' She also enjoys holidays again. Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham, based in Edgbaston, celebrates its second anniversary and pledges to treat at least 2,027 more NHS patients by the end of 2027.

How it is being reported

• Woman, 67, back at work after avoiding year-long wait for NHS hip surgeryRedditch pensioner Joy Cullen returned to work after two hip replacements in 12 months, using NHS Patient Choice to access faster treatment.Worcester News · 29 Oct, 14:06
• Woman, 67, back at work after avoiding year-long wait for NHS hip surgeryRedditch pensioner Joy Cullen returned to work after two hip replacements in 12 months, using NHS Patient Choice to access faster treatment.Malvern Gazette · 29 Oct, 13:53
• Woman, 67, back at work after avoiding year-long wait for NHS hip surgeryRedditch pensioner Joy Cullen returned to work after two hip replacements in 12 months, using NHS Patient Choice to access faster treatment.Worcester News · 29 Oct, 13:53

In this story: Joy Cullen · Redditch · Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham · Edgbaston

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