HIP and knee replacement patients at the University Hospital of Hartlepool are to get extra help before their operation and during their convalescence.
About 500 patients at the hospital receive help de-signed to reduce patient anxiety and the length of hospital stays.
Now two new projects, an education class and support group, have been set up.
A weekly class ensures patients waiting for replacements are informed about the procedure up to six months before their operation.
The other development will see recovering patients joining support groups to meet other people who have undergone a similar operation.
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