A successful nurse-led model in the elective orthopaedic admissions process.

Aim: To document a nurse-led admissions process for same day orthopaedic surgery, on relatively fit patients under 70 years of age.

Methods: Patients undergoing minor surgery, under 70 years of age, and with a body mass index (BMI) of <35, were selected from the total of patients being admitted for elective orthopaedic surgery under the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) contract. The nurse-led project relied primarily on an admission questionnaire, on physician consultation notes, and on previous clinical records.