The James Cook University Hospital is only one of five sites to receive the elite accretion from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery and The Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists and Critical Care.
The achievement cements the hospital’s status as the regional heart specialist site and identifies it as a UK-leading centre for surgical innovation.
What it means for patients
For patients, this will allow more access to ‘keyhole’ heart procedures in the future.
Enhanced recovery work aims to optimise patients prior to their surgery and improve their experience and outcomes leading to improved results for them and the hospital.
It works on the principle of providing a standardised bundle of evidence-based interventions starting from the moment patients are accepted for surgery, all the way through their operative period including intensive care and their time on the ward until their discharge.
Leading the way
Luke Rogers, consultant cardiac surgeon, said: “17 sites nationally applied for this accreditation.
“Being one of only five national cardiac surgery departments to be selected recognises the quality of our existing service and our commitment to innovation demonstrably benefiting our patients.
It positions University Hospitals Tees as the reference centre for minimally invasive, robotic cardiac surgery and enhanced recovery certainly in the north east and arguably all of Yorkshire and Scotland.
“We are proud to be the only accredited site in the north of England, with all other centres being in the South of England.
“This means our local patients can receive the best care here, without the need to travel. Furthermore, everyone in the north, without a desire to travel to London, will have the opportunity to benefit as well.”
Building on a legacy
Prior to the recent accreditation, The James Cook University Hospital was nationally recognised centre for excellence in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, covering 2 million people in the region from Cumbria, County Durham and North Yorkshire.
It is already well established in several minimally invasive heart procedures, such as minimally invasive mitral and aortic surgery and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB).
These foundations will underpin the team’s training and development in developing a robotic cardiac surgery practise.
Alongside excellence in patient care and education, the hospital’s Academic Cardiovascular Unit (ACU) is a national leader in cardiovascular research with an international reputation.
Consultant cardiac surgeon professor Enoch Akowuah said: “This was an extremely competitive process with several cardiac units in the UK applying for the prestigious accreditation.
We are delighted that our long history of innovation in this field has been recognised nationally. We look forward to transforming the patient experience and improving outcome even further after cardiac surgery.”
Special thanks
The hospital’s successful bid was made possible thanks to support from South Cleveland Heart Fund.
Luke added: I would like to personally thank Dr Adrian Davies and the South Cleveland Heart Fund for their ongoing and invaluable support.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our large multidisciplinary team. This includes Andy McDonald, Cristina Ruizegria, Jennifer Gray, Rui Fontes, Joanne Iceton, Alice Barnard, Fiona Wanless, Terri-Jo Paterson, Steve Stewart, Maureen Theakston, Andrea Tooley, Kim Thompson, Melanie Wanger, and Jill Malham.
“Their continued work will drive the next phase of our minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery programme, supported by the strategic vision of our executive sponsors.”
Dr Adrian Davies, chairman of South Cleveland Heart Fund, added: “We’re delighted to have supported this successful bid.
This accreditation ensures James Cook remains a world-class facility."