Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSTeesside nurses lead orthopaedic improvements
Nurses on Teesside have played a leading role in slashing treatment times for patients with fractured neck of femur.
A revised patient pathway has seen the number of fractured neck of femur patients having their operation within 48 hours at South Tees Hospital Foundation increase from 62 per cent to 72 per cent, while the average length of hospital stay has been reduced from 18 to 14 days. It has saved the trust money and freed up bed space.
Senior trauma nurse Glynis Peat led the multi disciplinary group which redesigned the treatment pathway with input from patients and carers. As a result, the trust introduced a range of improvements including fast tracking through A&E for fractured neck of femur patients, a “fitness for surgery” checklist, better pain management and more patient information.
Ms Peat said: “We now have faster times to theatre, reduced length of stay and fewer readmissions. The improvements we made are now part of our normal business.”
The pathway is featured as a case study in a guide for clinicians on the Department of Health’s quality, innovation, productivity and prevention programme.
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