PATIENTS needing routine hip and knee replacement can use a new ‘one stop shop’ style service provided at the new Bridgwater Community Hospital.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, a GPled organisation, which funds local health services, has awarded a three-year contract to Musgrove Park Hospital to deliver a new orthopaedic outpatient service.

Bidding organisations were asked to come up with plans for improved treatment for orthopaedic patients.

The aim is to deliver shorter waiting times.

“Additionally it would create better access to an outpatient service in Bridgwater where diagnostic tests and assessments could be carried out before the patient is given a date for their hip or knee surgery.

Hip or knee surgery will not be performed at Bridgwater Hospital.

Instead patients will have surgery performed in Taunton.