NHS Tayside's orthopaedic surgery services up and running at all acute sites

Surgical staff are pictured ready to go back to their former duties as Covid-related activity continues to decrease.

In February Stracathro Hospital was the first to resume orthopaedic services resumed, with elective orthopaedic surgery returning to Perth Royal Infirmary in early May.

The orthopaedic surgical team at Ninewells Hospital has now returned to their specialist wards as the health authority contiues to remobilise and step up services which were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The orthopaedic surgery wards in Ninewells were designated as Covid-19 wards and staff were moved to other orthopaedic and general areas to support the pandemic response.

As Covid activity has decreased, the dedicated surgical Covid unit in Ward 17 has been stepped down, allowing the orthopaedic service to relocate back to Wards 17, 18 and 19. This means there are more than 70 beds across the three wards and the Major Trauma Unit for orthopaedic patients.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Ben Clift said: “We’re working hard to increase the number of procedures we can carry out and minimise the length of time people need to spend in hospital so that we can see as many patients as quickly as possible.”