Physiotherapist Christine Douglas stars at alliance's ceremony by winning digital innovation award

Physiotherapist Christine Douglas, who is based at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in north west London, was praised for the ‘brilliant presentation’ she gave at the National Orthopaedic Alliance’s (NOA) inaugural Excellence in Orthopaedics Awards.

At the ceremony, which was held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 19 October, Christine pipped two other shortlisted candidates in the Digital Innovation in Orthopaedics category to pick up the winner’s award.

It’s so good to receive recognition for our RNOH Ponseti service. Our team continues to improve services and experience for children with clubfoot and their families [Christine Douglas]

In a statement released afterwards, the NOA noted: ‘Christine impressed the judges with her brilliant presentation on Telemedicine in Ponseti Management of Clubfoot Deformity in the Digital Innovation category.’

More than 80 professionals from the NOA’s multidisciplinary membership attended the ceremony, which was held after its annual members’ conference had ended. One of the keynote speakers at the conference was Andrew Bennett, national clinical director for musculoskeletal conditions at NHS England.

After receiving her star-themed award from Tim Wilton, chair of the National Joint Registry, Christine said: ‘It’s so good to receive recognition for our RNOH Ponseti service. Our team continues to improve services and experience for children with clubfoot and their families.’

Christine’s poster submission is available on the NOA’s website

In her conclusion, Christine states: 'This study suggests that a single episode of routine Ponseti follow-up care for children in maintenance bracing provided by a skilled clinician, is equitably delivered using telemedicine or face-to-face care.

‘Telemedicine appointments have been incorporated into our Ponseti service at the RNOH, with options for preference of alternate appointment modality for some children under our care.

‘This service improvement improves preference and ease of access for families while retaining quality of care, and reflects the changing nature of NHS provision in an increasingly digitally enabled world.’ 

Anne Hoey the NOA's programme director said: ‘I am so pleased with the success of our inaugural awards. The NOA prides itself on facilitating collaboration between orthopaedic providers, giving members platforms to share best practice and address shared challenges.

‘These awards highlighted the amazing work taking place across the NOA network and are already helping to encourage replication and collaboration between trusts.'

'The awards recognise NOA member organisations, projects and teams that have distinguished themselves through exemplary contributions, influence, and commitment to transforming services across orthopaedics – both clinically and non-clinically. 

‘The pandemic created unprecedented challenges and the evening was an opportunity to not only celebrate achievement despite these challenges but to share best practice and promote continued collaboration in orthopaedics nationwide.’ [Source: NOA]

Who can join the NOA?

Any NHS organisation providing orthopaedic care in the UK can apply. Other organisations involved in orthopaedics such as professional bodies, patient groups and charities can apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. To find out, visit: https://nationalorthopaedicalliance.co.uk