Staff across orthopaedics try their hand at simulated surgery

Staff across the trauma and orthopaedic department at Guy's and St Thomas' recently stepped into the shoes of surgeons with a machine that simulates knee surgery.

The department runs unique training sessions bringing nursing, therapies, administration, management and medical staff together. The aim is to improve the understanding of the clinical work the department carries out among the whole team to improve their team working, and ultimately provide better care for their patients.

The most recent session saw consultant orthopaedic surgeons Mr Peter Earnshaw and Mr Adil Ajuied teach the department about knee problems, and the surgery used to treat them. A hands-on simulation session gave all staff the opportunity to ‘perform’ joint replacement and arthroscopic (keyhole) operations.

Medical secretary Sue Arnold said: "it was so interesting to see exactly how a knee replacement operation is performed," and nurse Kayleigh Pierce said the event was: "a really enjoyable interactive day."