A New Year’s Eve Takes a Turn

For Russell (Russ) Flagg, New Year’s Eve 2024 was meant to be a joyful time spent with family. When a dive for a shot during a round of pickleball resulted in a hard fall, Russ brushed off the incident, determined to carry on. By the next day, however, the pain in his hip was undeniable. Unable to walk, Russ was transported by ambulance to South County Hospital.

“The pain was so intense I couldn’t take a step,” Russ recalled. “But the moment I arrived; South County Health’s medical team went to work.”

 

A World-Class Team in Action

Russ was diagnosed with a fractured hip and required a hip replacement. Thanks to the expertise of Ortho Rhode Island’s Michael Bradley, MD, MBA, and the dedicated team at South County Hospital, he was in surgery the next day.

Reflecting on his experience, Russ shared in a heartfelt letter:

“From the first moment I arrived at SCH by ambulance on New Year's Eve, my care was in the hands of the most capable women and men I have ever met. Your medical staff went to work that instant and made my 5-day stay and recovery possible.”

A Quick Recovery and a Grateful Heart

Just three days after surgery, Russ returned home and was amazed by his progress. Walking, climbing stairs, and regaining his independence, he praised the exceptional care he received.

“I’m recovering at home today, and it’s all thanks to Dr. Bradley, his operating staff, and the entire South County Health team,” Russ wrote. “Their professionalism and compassion were extraordinary.”

 

Russ reflected on his pickleball misstep with humor: “Next time, I’ll just say, ‘Good shot!’” Added Russ' wife Holley, "As the spouse, I want to confirm what extraordinary care Russ received. When you arrive at the hospital on an emergency basis- especially on New Year’s Eve, you don’t know what kind of care you will get. He got the best! Not only was the staff focused on his needs, but they also explained everything to me and were responsive to my anxiety and concerns."
 

Exceptional Orthopedic Care at South County Health

Russ’s story is a testament to the expert care available at South County Health. From the Emergency Department to surgery  at the hands of a skilled Ortho Rhode Island surgeon, and follow-up, every step of his journey was handled with precision and empathy.

If you or a loved one needs orthopedic care, South County Health is here, in partnership with Ortho Rhode Island and through the Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery, to provide exceptional treatment with a compassionate touch.

About the Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery

South County Health and Ortho Rhode Island have partnered to create the Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery which offers a complete range of orthopedic care services, board-certified surgeons with a record of superior outcomes, and the latest robotic surgical technology. That’s our commitment to coordinated, patient-centered care. That’s in our DNA.

Our combination of state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled surgical experience, speaks for itself. Our team has distinguished itself as one of the most innovative and accomplished centers for orthopedic care in the world, receiving local, national, and international accolades.

Learn more about South County Health’s orthopedic services and how we can help you get back to doing what you love.