Landmark operation

Grafton orthopedic surgeon Dr Sam Martin with his first patient, Laurie Freeman of Corindi, who has had a knee replacement – the first total joint replacement at Grafton Base Hospital.

Debrah Novak

THERE was a milestone surgery occurring at Grafton Base Hospital on Monday, which remained largely unknown to staff and patients.

Dr Sam Martin, who took up an orthopaedic surgery position last March, performed the first total joint replacement surgery at the local hospital.

The more-than-willing patient was Corindi local Laurie Freeman, who needed a knee replacement and was up and walking about the very next day.

Laurie's cartilage had completely worn away, making it excruciating to walk on as bone was rubbing against bone.

"It was agonising, I couldn't walk very far and I was in a lot of pain," Mr Freeman said.

While he understands he will need a few months of physio, he is looking forward to being able to move around freely.

"It will be lovely I think.

"It is already feeling a lot better," he said.

Dr Martin said that this service will make the lives of countless residents in the Valley far easier, as prior to Monday; people had to travel to Coffs Harbour or Lismore for joint replacement surgery.

"It will make the whole process of surgery a lot easier for patients as their friends and family will be able to be close by and it will mean less travelling to for the patient," Dr Martin said.

There are also plans in place to bring a second orthopaedic surgeon to Grafton, as well as state-of-the-art beds and facilities for the orthopaedic unit.

"It is really pretty exciting for the locals and it will cut down waiting lists elsewhere," Dr Martin said.

"It is a growing service that will hopefully bring a second full-time surgeon to the area."

Demand for the service is clear, as Dr Martin already has a growing waiting list of people needing major orthopaedic surgery, which can now be done locally.