The Minister for Health Leo Varadkar TD has today launched the National Model of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery in the RCSI.

Trauma and Orthopaedics is the largest and busiest surgical speciality in health services Ireland. The Model of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, developed by the HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division in consultation with surgeons, doctors, nurses, health and social care professionals and pharmacists, sets out the principles and strategies necessary to enable the provision of high quality care for trauma and orthopaedic patients.

This Model of Care (MOC) when implemented will make a positive difference to the patients experience in the following ways:

• Safe, quality care in a suitable environment
• Timely attention from relevant health service personnel working within a dedicated multidisciplinary team
• Reduction in hospital initiated cancellations 
• Developing practices in line with evolving treatment methods
• Standardising care pathways with the collaboration of GP’s, health and social care professionals so patients can return to and maintain a good quality of life

The MOC recommends the development of a Trauma Network for Ireland which would provide a comprehensive system of specialist care. A network of this type would encompass all levels of care from prevention, injury detection and control. This can be delivered through health education and prevention initiatives, pre–hospital care, definitive care and rehabilitation care.

Speaking at the launch Minister for Health Leo Varadkar TD said: “This Model of Care is a significant milestone for trauma and orthopaedic surgery. The new document provides the basis for a world-class trauma and orthopaedic service. It gives clinicians, managers and healthcare workers clear guidelines on how to deliver best practice care to trauma and orthopaedic patients. The HSE and the Hospital Groups must now work together on implementing the Model of Care, so that it leads to real improvements.”

Dr Áine Carroll, National Director of Clinical Strategy and Programmes, HSE said: "Working as a consultant in rehabilitation medicine, I am acutely aware for the need for timely intervention for patients with major trauma. This document set out the pathways of care for patients with orthopaedic presentations and has the potential to improve equity of access, enable value for the system and improve patient outcomes. I wish to acknowledge the work done by the National Clinical Leads and so many others (patients and staff) in bringing this document to publication today."

Mr Declan J. Magee, RCSI President said: “Optimum care for multiple-injury patients presents a particular challenge to any health service. The launch of the Model of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery is a much needed step and is crucial in providing a roadmap for future development and improvement in trauma and orthopaedic services. The Model is a testament to the determination of the HSE and RCSI, with the collaboration of the Irish Institute for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, to improve the safety and quality of care for all patients presenting to trauma and orthopaedic centres.”

Mr David Moore and Mr Paddy Kenny, Joint Clinical Leads of the National Clinical Programme for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery thanked all those who had contributed to the document during the development and consultation processes. They strongly encourage staff at every level of the healthcare service who are involved in the delivery of trauma and orthopaedic services to familiarise themselves with the principles contained in the Model of Care, with the view to implementing the principles at their hospital site. 

The National Clinical Programme for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery is a joint initiative between the HSE Clinical Strategy & Programmes Division and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland incorporating the Irish Institute for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery (IITOS). This Model of Care complements the work previously completed by the National Clinical Programme for Surgery which published Models of Care for Elective and Acute Surgery in 2013. 

The Model of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery is available to download at www.hse.ie/orthopaedicsprogramme.