National Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinical Programme

The Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinical Programme (TOP) is led by Mr David Moore and Mr Paddy Kenny as Clinical Leads and Catherine Farrell, appointed in May 2013, as Programme Manager.

The Irish Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery are the Advisory Body for the Programme. The Programme also has five Regional Leads, Mr Bill Curtin, Mr Brian Lenihan, Mr Hannan Mullett, Mr Eoin Sheehan and Mr Pat Fleming.

The programme is currently working on a number of projects, including the development of a Trauma and Orthopaedic Model of Care document, setting up a National Spine Service Plan group, encouraging hospitals to contribute data to the Irish Hip Fracture Database, coordinating the contribution of trauma and orthopaedic consultants to the HIQA Health Technology Assessment Process and coordinating the publication of agreed DVT prophylaxis guidelines.

The Trauma and Orthopaedics Programme has also formed a working group with the NCPS office and HSE procurement to launch National Tenders for Trauma and Orthopaedic Implants.  

The programme has also been involved in forming a cross programme group to advance the publishing of guideline Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) for Fractured Neck of Femur patients. A group with representatives from Anaesthesia, Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine and the Trauma and Orthopaedic Programme met on 20 August 2013 and Dr Emer Ahern, was elected as chair of the group. The group agreed that a template ICP would be issued as a guideline and that the document will be sent for consultation prior to publication. Ms Louise Brent CNS in Waterford Regional Hospital has kindly agreed to act as Nurse Lead for this Guideline.

For more information about TOP, please contact Catherine Farrell, Programme Manager, catherinefarrell@rcsi.ie.