NNSWLHD knee & hip arthritis service information

The NNSWLHD Knee and Hip Arthritis (KAHAS) service is based on the ACI Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program (OACCP) model of care.

Its role is to work with patients experiencing significant musculoskeletal related hip or knee joint pain resulting in loss of function, affecting quality of life and safety.

The service can treat patients who

• have a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA)
• are on the public hospital wait list for hip and knee joint replacement surgery
• are not on a surgical wait list who wish to avoid surgery or optimise the conservative management of their hip or knee OA.

• provide appropriate early assessment and management services for patients with hip and knee joint pain related to osteoarthritis.
• optimise patient health and preparedness for a hip or knee joint replacement surgery and facilitate timeliness for surgery based on evidence-based outcomes, and a holistic assessment.

• a comprehensive initial assessment by a KAHAS Coordinator. Assessment outcomes will guide ongoing patient management pathways.
• evidence based conservative Knee and hip management options based on initial assessment findings. This includes education and exercise programs and may include additional referrals for other bio-psycho-social issues affecting joint pain e.g. dietetics and occupational therapy.
• patient centred management plans based on personal goals.
• a multidisciplinary approach to chronic disease management involving assessment and reviews of patients.

The Knee and Hip Arthritis Service accept referrals from primary care providers including GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, or allied health clinicians for patients who are not on the list for joint replacement surgery.

Please note that there is no surgeon involvement as part of the KAHAS. Please refer patients directly to an appropriate surgeon if you are seeking a surgical option.

• Tweed
  Tweed Valley Hospital, 771 Cudgen Road, Cudgen NSW 2487
  Tel: (02) 6677 2400
  Fax: (02) 6677 2499
  Email: NNSWLHD-Tweed-KAHAS@health.nsw.gov.au

• Richmond
  Lismore Base Hospital
  Tel: (02) 6620 2967
  Fax: (02) 6620 2963
  Email: NNSWLHD-Lismore-KAHAS@health.nsw.gov.au

• Clarence
  Grafton Base Hospital, Physiotherapy Department
  Tel: (02) 6641 8770
  Fax: (02) 6640 2469
  Email: NNSWLHD-Clarence-KAHAS@health.nsw.gov.au

• Osteoarthritis (knee and hip) chronic care
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