The team accepted the award for winning the ‘Demonstrating an Impact upon Patient Safety and/or Quality Improvement’ category, with their innovation project put into practice, ‘3D Printing in Trauma and Orthopaedics’.
The awards, which are sponsored by the Academic Health Science Network North East and North Cumbria (AHSN NENC) and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB), are usually held every year, with the exception of last year due to pressures in the health and care sectors, brought about by COVID-19.
3D printing in healthcare
The winning project was supported through a collaboration between the trust and two orthopaedic manufacturers: Zimmer Biomet and Depuy Synthes.
The winning team, included: Mr David Ferguson, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Andrew Simpson, clinical scientist, Tony Alton, clinical technologist, Alistair Levett-Renton, clinical scientist, dr Sarah Whitbourn, consultant clinical scientist, and Sharon Brown, innovation portfolio coordinator for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The team reaction
Mr Dave Ferguson spoke on behalf of the team and said: “We feel proud and honoured to have represented South Tees Hospitals at this prestigious innovation event. Winning an award for patient safety and quality improvement is a fantastic boost to our team in the digital skills lab, and has given us a real boost.
The Digital Skills Lab was formed three years ago when a group of like-minded clinicians, scientists and technologists came together to look at using digital innovations to improve patient care, provide financial savings, increase safety and where possible improve patient experiences.
Our success would not have been possible without the support from our friends and colleagues who have supported us in our journey, from every level of the organisation. We are also grateful for the support from our industry partners who recognise the shared gains in success.