Welcome to the October News Update. It was great to see so many BHS members at the BOA in Aberdeen now that we were finally allowed to meet face to face. We have taken a lot of cues from that meeting when planning for BHS 2022 and hope that you will enjoy what we have in store.
British Hip Society Annual Scientific Meeting, March 2-4 2022, Bournemouth International Centre
We are planning for a full face-to-face meeting in March 2022, so please keep your eye out for emails with details of registration, abstract submission and hotel bookings. These will all open on 25th October with abstract submission closing on 3rd December. We aim to review all submissions before the Christmas break to give all delegates plenty of time to organise leave from work. We are honoured to welcome Prof Thorsten Gehrke as the Charnley Lecturer and Prof Rob Townsend as the Presidential Guest Lecturer. More details to follow!
British Hip Society commissioned report on Culture and Diversity
As part of the BHS commitment to improving the culture and diversity of the Society, a professional survey company (CARD group) was engaged to survey the membership. The results demonstrate that there are some clear messages that we all need to reflect on:
- One in four members experienced a barrier related to equality and diversity within the past five years
- The majority of members are older white males from advantaged backgrounds
- There is an appetite for inclusion, a desire to improve and an intention to make it happen
Please take time to read the survey in detail and discuss it with colleagues. We will be holding a session at BHS 2022 to expand on the role that the BHS can play in improving on some of the uncomfortable truths that the survey reveals.
BHS survey of elective restart capacity
As a result of discussions at the BOA, the BHS were asked by Tim Briggs (GIRFT) and John Skinner (BOA President) to survey members to determine how many units were returning to pre-pandemic levels of operating, with particular focus on Total Hip Replacement.
I am very grateful for the very rapid response from members and replies were received from 114 units. The survey clearly shows a wide variation across the UK in the ability of units to offer elective THR. The headline information shows:
- 18% of units are unable to offer elective THR at present
- 66% of units are at reduced levels of activity
- 16% of units are operating at pre-pandemic levels
The majority of respondents reported that a lack of theatre staff or capacity was the primary problem (57%) with 22% reporting a lack of a Covid secure pathway or ward capacity.
There were a large number of comments from individual units which tell their own story, such as:
- “60% pre covid capacity and falling. Lack of nursing staff in emergency care and delayed discharge biggest threat”
- “Still haven’t got Orthopaedic ward back from medical outliers after 18 months and its summer!”
- “Staff shortages pre-existed COVID. COVID made things worse”
This data has been shared with GIRFT and the BOA and it is hoped will further inform high level discussions in support of the elective orthopaedic problem. The BHS Executive are maintaining contact with GIRFT and the BOA on a regular basis and will keep you updated with any developments.
Best Wishes,
Andy Hamer
President, British Hip Society
