Gold star for Trauma and Orthopaedics

22nd December 2025

Some of the Southern Trust’s Trauma and Orthopaedic team who have received national recognition for commitment to patient safety, for the fifth consecutive year.  Pictured l-r are: Raji Philip – Clinical Sister Orthopaedic Ward, Dr Gary Rainey - T&O Speciality Doctor, Enda McGinley – T&O Advanced Orthopaedic Practitioner, Mr Dave McMurray – T&O Consultant/ Clinical Director, Conor Crossey – T&O Audit Admin assistant, Olivia Thornbury – T&O Operational Support Officer, Laura Murphy -  T&O Assistant Manager, Rachel Jameson – Ward Manager – Trauma Ward.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Trauma and Orthopaedic service has received national recognition for commitment to patient safety, for the fifth consecutive year.

Also, for the first time, the team has been awarded with gold accreditation as a National Joint Registry (NRJ) Quality Data Provider for the high-quality information they provide about joint replacement surgery.

The NJR monitors the performance of hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement operations to improve clinical outcomes for patients and support clinicians in their professional development.

To achieve the award, hospitals must meet key rigorous targets, based around patient safety, quality of care and compliance with the NJR’s audit process.

The Southern Trust’s Trauma and Orthopaedic service was established in 2008 to treat a range of bone and joint conditions. The purpose-built Trauma and Orthopaedics Unit at Craigavon opened in 2010, including dedicated theatres, recovery areas and ward space. The team also provides outpatient services from their dedicated department at Daisy Hill Hospital which opened in 2024 and offers some day case procedures from South Tyrone Hospital.

Commenting on their latest award Brigeen Kelly, Head of Service said: “Like many other services, demand for trauma and orthopaedics is increasing. We have around 580 appointments at our in person and virtual clinics each week and to date have  undertook 2,935 orthopaedic joint surgeries. We have a hugely dedicated and highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics team, from different professions all sharing their expertise and working together to provide the best service for their patients.”

Congratulating the team Declan McClements, Interim Director of Surgery and Clinical Services, said: “Achieving gold accreditation is a real testament to the dedication of our trauma and orthopaedics colleagues. Committing to be an NJR Quality Data Provider has been a significant undertaking for the team over the past five years who have consistently shown great determination in striving to improve their services. This latest award offers great reassurance to patients that they are receiving the highest standard of care.”

-ENDS-