Somerset’s bariatric surgery service has been reaccredited as an international centre of excellence.
The recognition from the American-based Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) highlights the high-quality care provided by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s bariatric team.
It is made up of five consultant surgeons, two clinicians in psychology, dietitians, and specialist nurses.
The team can also draw on the support of the trust’s endocrinology service where needed, with colleagues on the inpatient wards and surgical admissions lounge playing an important part too.
The multi disciplinary team follows a patient through their entire episode of care, from the very beginning when they are referred by their GP for bariatric surgery, to their recovery and life after surgery, helping them to maintain their weight loss, where they get support from the team for an additional two years.
Zoe Hall is one of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s two bariatric specialist nurses, working alongside her colleague Kirsty Lock.
She said: “Not only have we maintained our high standards from before, but we’ve also introduced robotic surgery in bariatrics for the first time.
“Another area of innovation is our partnership with Allurion, offering patients who are struggling to get fit enough for bariatric surgery an opportunity to swallow a special gastric balloon that helps to suppress their appetite for the six months before their operation.
“Alongside this, as specialist nurses, Kirsty and I are able to monitor patients’ activity levels and help motivate them to keep up with physical activity and healthy eating during this time.
“We are the first NHS trust to have this prestigious accreditation.
“Our patients generally tell us that they’re really pleased, as they’ve got their life back and they’re able to do so much more than before, including remission of hypertension and diabetes.”
PHOTO: from left, Sophie Groves – cancer patient tracker, Zoe Hall – bariatric specialist nurse, Emily Wood – operational support manager for upper GI, bariatrics and gastroenterology, Marianne Hollyman – consultant bariatric surgeon, Kirsty Lock – bariatric specialist nurse.