The President of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Paul McArthur, visited the Plastic Surgery Trauma Unit at the Ulster Hospital this week to meet staff and learn more about the high-quality specialist care being delivered on site.
During his visit, Mr McArthur met Surgeons, Nurses, and multidisciplinary staff who provide expert trauma management and Plastic reconstructive services for patients across Northern Ireland. The tour offered a valuable opportunity to showcase the Unit’s expertise, innovation and the commitment of staff who support patients every day.
Greeting Mr McArthur to the Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Trust Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter, said, “I am delighted to welcome the President of the British Association of Plastic Surgery to the Ulster Hospital. It is really important in terms of recognising the unique and significant role the Trust plays in providing Regional Plastic Surgery and Maxillofacial Services for the population of Northern Ireland.
“This visit provides the President with an opportunity to meet our teams and clinical staff, to hear directly from them and to see first-hand the facilities and broad range of services we provide and continue to enhance.
“It is also timely as the International Congress is taking place in Belfast over the next few days, offering an important platform to profile these specialist services.”
Mr McArthur thanked staff for taking the time to showcase their work and reflected on the progress made since his last visit. Mr McArthur added, “It has been lovely to return to the Ulster Hospital after visiting a number of years ago when it was a very different building. It was wonderful to meet so many staff across the Unit, from the Chairman and Chief Executive to administrative colleagues, this demonstrates the Trust’s true investment in the service.
“I am impressed by how the Unit has expanded and encouraged by the developments currently underway. There are some fantastic ideas being explored, including the use of new technologies, virtual reality and remote consultations, which have the potential to benefit patients across Northern Ireland by making specialist care more accessible.
“It is essential that we continue to invest in plastic surgery services regionally to advance best practice in trauma and reconstructive care.”
Clinical Director for the Regional Service of Northern Ireland and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Alastair Brown, commented, “We were delighted to have Mr McArthur visit the Unit, allowing us to showcase the Regional Plastic Surgery Service provided at the Ulster Hospital and to discuss how we can further optimise patient care. We have been developing our services to allow for a more streamlined patient journey for both elective and trauma cases. By increasing day-case surgery and incorporating newer techniques and innovations, we can provide quicker turnaround times with safe, efficient and timely treatment whilst reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. This equates to benefits for patients and the service.
“It is also a privilege and honour to have BAPRAS host their International Congress in Belfast, enabling our Teams to network and highlight the services we deliver here in Northern Ireland.
“This occasion has allowed for us to demonstrate the excellent work taking place within our Plastic Surgery Trauma Unit. We are extremely proud of our exceptional team and the difference they make to patient outcomes.”