Description
In a comprehensive presentation by Alasdair Santini, the structure, collaboration, and history of the Cheshire and Mersey revision arthroplasty collaboration are outlined. Located just east of Manchester, this region encompasses 2.6 million residents, 12 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and 21 healthcare trusts including eight specialized orthopedic centers. Following the merger of the Aintree and Royal Liverpool hospitals into the Liverpool University Hospital (a major trauma center), collaboration among clinicians intensified within the local medical community.
The presentation highlights a 60-year history of cooperative efforts between orthopedic surgeons, with the recent formation of the Grosvenor club aiming to enhance regional communication through case presentations and collaborative research. The narrative begins with a pivotal 2015 scientific meeting focused on infected knee and hip arthroplasties, leading to the establishment of a formalized multidisciplinary team (MDT) to address complex surgical cases common in the region. Regular engagements among surgeons, microbiologists, and other medical professionals are indicated to facilitate knowledge exchange and the implementation of standard protocols across hospitals.
Implementation of dual consultant operations for complex cases and a commitment from smaller centers to refer patients to larger hospitals further strengthens this collaborative model. The establishment of a regional data registry has been crucial for tracking outcomes and monitoring clinical standards, which is presented regularly at scientific meetings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Santini notes that despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, regional collaboration has persisted, and plans for future initiatives are ongoing, including standardization efforts and educational commitments. The presentation concludes with an invitation to an upcoming annual meeting, underscoring the importance of ongoing engagement in refining orthopedic practices in the region.