General Surgery of Childhood(GPS)
A Strategy for the FutureSu-Anna Boddy, FRCS
Chair, Children’s Surgical ForumRegional Representatives Day
10 November 2010
What is GPS?
Elective
• Inguinal hernia
• Umbilical herniotomy
• Orchidopexy for UDT
• Circumcision
• Minor soft tissue abnormalities
Emergency• Acute abdominal pain• Obstructed hernias• Acute scrotal
pathology• Minor trauma• Abscesses
The Problem - Threat to the Local Delivery of GPS
• Decline in the number of GPS cases performed in the DGH
• Decline of exposure to elective paediatric surgery cases in the training of general surgeons and urologists
• Trainees do not take up GPS modules
• Lack of succession planning - Current cohort of general surgeons and adult urologists approach retirement
• Pressure on specialist children’s hospitals
The Solution – Managed Clinical Networks
What are Managed Clinical Networks?
• Interconnected system of providers
• Not limited by boundaries
• Multidirectional flow (not hub & spoke)
• Contractual agreements specifying service requirements and outcomes
The Solution – Managed Clinical Networks
What Does a Managed Clinical Network offer?
• Common standards
• Integrated service
• Service planning
• Workforce planning
• Training
• Audit
Children’s Surgical Forum: Guidance to Commissioners and Service Planners
• CSF Guidance, July 2010: Ensuring the Provision of
General Paediatric Surgeryin the DGH
• Endorsed by: RCS, RCPCH, RCoA, BAPS,
APA, ASGBI, BAUS
Children’s Surgical Forum: Survey on GPS Service Provision in the DGH• Delivered by CSF – Funded by DH
• A map of GPS service across all hospitals in England
• Identifies which hospitals provide GPS and could therefore form part of a network
• Identifies which hospitals can provide training for adult surgeons with an interest in children’s surgery
Next Steps – A Strategy for the Future
Drawing on RCS Regional Networks:• Developing an in-depth understanding of specific GPS
issues and opportunities in the regions
Engaging with:• Commissioners• Providers• Specialist Advisory Committees• Trainee associations to highlight career opportunities
involving GPS• NHS Employers
Current Managed Clinical Networks
Where Clinical Director
Yorkshire Roly Squire
South West Janet MacNally
East of England Sue Deakin
What is happening in your region?
Please get in touch
Children’s Surgical Forum
0207 869 6213
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