Health Minister Mike Nesbitt recently visited Daisy Hill Hospital to explore its new Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinic, which has opened on the ground floor of the hospital. The Minister took the time to meet with staff and tour the new unit, located behind the coffee bar in the former physiotherapy department. This new service will operate five days a week, offering fracture and orthopaedic outpatient clinics for individuals with bone and joint problems.
The establishment of this clinic marks a significant development for Daisy Hill Hospital, as before the pandemic, fracture and orthopaedics clinics were split between Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospitals. Due to the shared space at Daisy Hill, the clinic was temporarily relocated to Craigavon in 2020 to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing measures. However, with £175,000 in funding from the Department of Health and the collaborative efforts of estates colleagues, the trauma and orthopaedics team is thrilled to be back serving patients at both hospitals.
Brigeen Kelly, Head of Trauma and Orthopaedics for the Southern Trust, expressed the growing demand for trauma and orthopaedic services. The clinic currently sees around 680 attendances per week for the fracture clinic and orthopaedic outpatients. Kelly emphasized the dedication and experience of the trauma and orthopaedics team in providing high-quality care and improving services for their patients.
During the Minister’s visit, he met with the T&O team, radiology and physiotherapy colleagues, Southern Trust Chief Executive Dr. Maria O’Kane, Chair Eileen Mullan, Medical Director Dr. Stephen Austin, Assistant Director for Surgical & Out-Patient Services Lynn Lappin, and Dr. Lourda Geoghegan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health. This collaborative effort aims to enhance patient care and address waiting times by increasing the number and range of orthopaedic clinics at Daisy Hill.
The Minister commended the return of the fractures service to Daisy Hill Hospital, along with the additional orthopaedic outpatient clinics, as a positive development for local patients in the Southern Trust. The establishment of a local fracture service will provide greater convenience for patients attending routine reviews and care. Nesbitt emphasized the importance of reducing waiting times for orthopaedic appointments and highlighted the increased capacity and improved access at the new clinic as steps towards delivering more timely and effective care for patients.
### Enhanced Patient Care and Accessibility
The establishment of the new Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital represents a significant enhancement in patient care and accessibility within the Southern Trust. With the clinic now operational five days a week, patients with bone and joint problems can benefit from specialized fracture and orthopaedic outpatient services closer to home. This increased accessibility not only improves convenience for patients but also allows for more timely care and better outcomes.
Brigeen Kelly, Head of Trauma and Orthopaedics for the Southern Trust, underscored the importance of the new clinic in addressing the growing demand for trauma and orthopaedic services. The team’s commitment to providing high-quality care and improving services for their patients is evident in the establishment of the new clinic, which aims to streamline patient care, reduce waiting times, and enhance the overall patient experience.
### Collaborative Efforts and Funding Support
The successful establishment of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital was made possible through collaborative efforts and funding support from the Department of Health. With £175,000 allocated towards the project, the trauma and orthopaedics team, along with estates colleagues, worked together to create a modern and efficient clinic space that meets the needs of both patients and staff.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commended the collaborative efforts that led to the reopening of the fractures service at Daisy Hill Hospital, emphasizing the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure to improve patient care and outcomes. The Minister’s visit to the new clinic underscored the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives that enhance patient care, increase accessibility, and reduce waiting times for essential services.
### Impact on Service Delivery and Patient Outcomes
The relocation of the fractures service back to Daisy Hill Hospital, along with the expansion of orthopaedic outpatient clinics, is expected to have a significant impact on service delivery and patient outcomes within the Southern Trust. By increasing capacity, improving access, and streamlining care processes, the new clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital is poised to enhance patient outcomes, reduce waiting times, and provide more timely and effective care for individuals with bone and joint problems.
Brigeen Kelly highlighted the benefits of having a senior trauma and orthopaedic doctor available at both sites Monday to Friday, enabling quicker access to specialist advice for ED and ward teams. This streamlined approach aims to minimize the need for patient transfers between hospitals, improving continuity of care and overall patient experience. The increased number and range of orthopaedic clinics at Daisy Hill further demonstrate the commitment to enhancing accessibility and quality of care for local residents.
### Future Prospects and Continued Improvement
As the new Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital becomes fully operational, the Southern Trust looks towards the future with optimism and a commitment to continued improvement in patient care and service delivery. The successful collaboration between healthcare professionals, government officials, and funding support has paved the way for enhanced patient care, increased accessibility, and improved outcomes for individuals with bone and joint problems.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt’s visit to the new clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital served as a testament to the government’s dedication to supporting healthcare initiatives that prioritize patient care and well-being. The Minister’s endorsement of the clinic’s impact on reducing waiting times, increasing capacity, and improving access reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services that meet the needs of the community.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinic at Daisy Hill Hospital marks a significant milestone in the provision of specialized care for individuals with bone and joint problems in the Southern Trust. With increased accessibility, enhanced service delivery, and a focus on patient outcomes, the new clinic is poised to make a positive impact on the overall healthcare landscape in the region. The collaborative efforts, funding support, and commitment to continuous improvement underscore a shared vision for delivering high-quality healthcare services that prioritize patient well-being and satisfaction.