Grandmother looks forward to picking up her grandchildren pain free after innovative shoulder surgery
A Derbyshire grandmother who underwent a pioneering shoulder replacement surgery and returned home the same day has thanked University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) doctors after regaining her independence and being able to safely pick up her granddaughters following the operation.
Janice Harrison lived with severe arthritis pain in both shoulders for several years, impacting her life and her ability to do the things she loved, like picking up her grandchildren and gardening - and it even made sleeping uncomfortable.
She underwent total shoulder replacement for her left shoulder in 2023, followed by the most recent procedure on her right shoulder in December 2025. For both operations, led by Mr Daniel Morris, Consultant Trauma and Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgeon, she was able to return to the comfort of her own home the same day, without the need for an overnight hospital stay - in the second instance, she had her surgery at midday and, after being reviewed, she was discharged within three hours
This same-day approach to delivering total shoulder replacements at Ilkeston Community Hospital is the first of its kind in the East Midlands, supporting patients to access care faster and go home sooner.
Now, four months after her surgery, Janice says she is starting to get her independence back.
“My recovery has been going really well and I’m starting to feel like myself again,” she said. “I can move my shoulder much more than before, which has made everyday life much easier.
“I love spending time with my grandchildren, picking them up and cuddling them - but before the operation the pain made me anxious about holding them. Being able to pick them up again without that worry has made such a difference. I’ve always enjoyed gardening too, but it needs a lot of lifting and pruning, and the pain in my shoulders made it really difficult. Even everyday things became a struggle.
"There’s still some pain as I recover, but I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made so far. “I know I’m not fully there yet, but I’m really happy with how things are going. I feel stronger, more confident, and more like myself again.”
A new approach to shoulder replacement surgery
Traditionally, total shoulder replacements require at least one overnight stay in hospital. However, clinicians at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) identified that many patients didn't need blood tests the next day or further monitoring, which is the primary reason for overnight stays.
This led to the development of a same‑day shoulder replacement pathway at Ilkeston Community Hospital, where experienced day‑surgery teams are already in place and planned surgery is protected from wider hospital pressures, especially at hospitals like Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Hospital Burton.
The surgery is carried out in a laminar‑flow theatre, which is a specialist operating theatre where filtered air flows continuously over the surgical area to reduce the risk of infection.
The pathway also uses regional anaesthesia, known as a nerve block, rather than a general anaesthetic, helping patients recover more quickly and avoid common side effects such as nausea and grogginess.
Anaesthetist Consultant, Chris Milliard, explains how this works
Mr Daniel Morris, Consultant Trauma and Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgeon at UHDB, said:
“This pathway is about delivering modern, evidence‑based surgery in the right setting,” he said. “Patients are able to recover more comfortably and begin their rehabilitation sooner, and for many there is no clinical reason for them to stay in hospital overnight.
“Because the surgery is carried out at Ilkeston Community Hospital, we’re also able to offer more reliable access to care, with fewer cancellations and shorter waits. Patients like Janice are getting faster treatment, a better experience and a safe recovery closer to home.”
Early results from the pathway have been very positive, with patients discharged safely on the same day and no complications or readmissions among those treated so far. The team is now sharing its learning more widely and exploring how similar same‑day approaches could be developed for other joint procedures in the future.
Early results have been strong, with all patients discharged safely on the same day and no complications or readmissions for those who have had this surgery.
This has supported a reduction in waiting times by around eight weeks, with no patients waiting over 65 weeks for shoulder replacement surgery, meaning we have been able to see patients eight weeks sooner than before.
Nationally, around 6% of shoulder replacements are carried out as day‑case procedures. At UHDB, 46% of shoulder replacements are completed with same-day discharge, much higher than the national average.
Working together to innovate
The pathway was developed through close collaboration between surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, theatre teams and operational colleagues. Charitable support from the Ilkeston Community Hospital League of Friends funded two specialist shoulder operating tables, helping to launch the service.
The success of the pathway is opening the door for similar same‑day approaches to other joint procedures. The team is already sharing learning nationally, while UHDB explores digital follow‑up tools to further support patients recovering at home.
“This pathway shows what’s possible when clinical teams innovate together,” Mr Morris said.
“Patients are getting faster access to surgery, a better experience and a safer recovery, all closer to home.”
UHDB will continue to use patient feedback and ongoing audits to shape and expand the service.
And as for Janice, the impact is already clear.
“I’m really grateful for the care I’ve had,” she said. “It’s helped me get back to doing the things that matter most.”