Patients requiring hand surgery will have a shorter wait for their procedures thanks to the opening of a new £1.3m dedicated day-case facility at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
The Hand Unit, Bradford, welcomed its first patients last month at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), with the aim of providing state-of-the-art treatment while reducing the waiting times for hand surgery.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Zakir Shariff said: “The unit marks a significant milestone in the provision of acute and elective plastic surgery services in the region.
“Located opposite our Emergency Department, it serves a wide catchment area, catering to patients referred into the Trust not only from the Bradford area but also Airedale, Calderdale and Huddersfield hospitals.
“Each month, around 600 patients with hand injuries are seen at our hospital and many of these cases require surgery, either under local or general anaesthesia. Previously, these patients had to be admitted to a ward bed and operated on within our busy planned, daily trauma lists, often resulting in long waiting times.”
Most major plastic surgery tertiary centres have a specialised Hand Unit where hand injuries are treated as day cases using regional blocks. The COVID-19 pandemic particularly highlighted the necessity for alternative surgical approaches.
One such technique, Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is a surgical technique that has become increasingly popular and allows hand and wrist injuries to be treated without the need for an anaesthetic team, making it a safer, more efficient option.
The WALANT Technique, pioneered by Canadian plastic surgeon, Donald Lalonde, involves the injection of a local anaesthetic. The patient remains awake during the procedure and can participate in assessing the surgery as it happens. Advantages reduced anaesthesia time, less painful recovery, better outcomes for patients with multiple comorbidities, lower costs and improved surgical results.
Mr Shariff added: “The new unit will revolutionise the treatment of hand injuries in the region, offering timely and efficient care.
“In addition to managing acute injuries, the facility will also provide elective hand surgery for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger release, ganglion excisions, Dupuytren’s contracture release and skin cancer treatment.
“This dedicated facility represents the culmination of years of planning and dedication, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a purpose-built environment.”
Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ Chief Executive, Professor Mel Pickup said: “It was brilliant to be at the opening and see our first patients walk through the doors of the new unit.
“Our surgeons had an ambition to have a dedicated facility and it’s great to see that finally become a reality.
“It’s just one more way we are improving the experiences of our patients and skilled colleagues here at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.”
