Description
In this presentation, Mr. Ben Ollivere, a trauma surgery professor from Nottingham, shares insights into the challenges and developments in orthopedic trauma services at his hospital. He begins by introducing himself humorously, noting that while he discusses surgeries, he may perform fewer than others. Dr. Ollivere outlines significant pressures that his hospital faces, being the only facility in the region that conducts certain procedures and servicing a large general population. He presents data showing a dramatic 15% year-on-year increase in orthopedic trauma cases, which rose from just over 2,000 cases in 2012 to over 4,300 in 2023 without increasing the number of surgeons. This increase has resulted in waitlists containing up to 80 patients for orthopedic trauma services.
He also addresses historical data, mentioning a paper published in 2014 that predicted trends regarding hip fractures, noting they have been relatively accurate. Dr. Ollivere emphasizes the increase in patient complexity and duration of stay, especially for patients requiring orthopedic geriatrics care. Given the hospital’s aging facilities and the pressure towards more efficient patient management, he discusses the introduction of a virtual ward initiative, which is intended to allow certain patients to receive hospital-level care at home—thereby freeing up bed space in the hospital.
Throughout his presentation, Dr. Ollivere shares anecdotes and specific cases that illustrate the potential for a virtual ward to reduce unnecessary hospital stays while maintaining patient care quality. He acknowledges the system's limitations but highlights the essential need for innovation in patient management, especially for those with minimal medical needs who can be effectively monitored and supported at home. The session concludes with a call for improvement in healthcare processes, stressing that while challenges remain significant, adaptive models like virtual wards could help address the increasing strain on orthopedic trauma services.