Latest news

Lung surgery patients at Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) are recovering faster with fewer complications thanks to an innovative physiotherapy programme.

The programme, delivered at the world-renowned centre, which is part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, is led by Allied Health Professionals whose contribution to patient care is being celebrated.

The team, inspired by research into the benefits of getting patients moving as soon as possible after surgery, set about finding a solution to avoid situations where thoracic surgery patients sometimes remained in bed for two days.

Led by Highly Specialist Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist Elliott Pattison, they worked closely with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team to introduce physiotherapy on the day of surgery.

Kira Neal, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and Integrated Therapy Lead, said:

"Therapists are good at looking at the whole patient and bringing teams together to improve services. We're not afraid to try new things if we believe they're the right thing for patients".

Elliott Pattison added:

"One of the most rewarding parts of our job is seeing patients progress through their recovery and return home sooner than they expected. We know lung surgery can be daunting, so being able to introduce changes that help patients recover more quickly and reduce the risk of complications is something we're really proud of. It's a privilege to play a part in helping people get back to their everyday lives."

Patients are now supported to begin breathing, shoulder and mobility activities much earlier in their recovery, sometimes within an hour of leaving theatre. Depending on their condition, some patients are even able to walk back to the ward from recovery.

The results have been significant. Patients who began rehabilitation earlier spent, on average more than a day less in hospital. Respiratory complications fell by more than three per cent, while intensive care admissions reduced from eight patients to just two. This was in relation to 100 patients who were seen over a six-month period. Patients also reported lower levels of pain, highlighting the positive impact of starting recovery sooner.

The approach has now become standard practice for thoracic surgery patients, and the team has shared the results at regional and national cardiothoracic conferences.

ENDS

Image: Essex Cardiothoracic therapy team members (L-r Kira Neal, Elliot Pattison and Caitlin Knight)