The Operating Theatre Journal - Journal - Page 4
Wirral University Teaching Hospital surgical team featured in a
film for The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons
Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) is
proud to be involved in the relaunch of the
Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of
Surgeons of England, by taking part in a video
showing an orthopaedic operation on an ankle
joint, performed by a team led by Consultant
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Miss Gillian Jackson.
(Hunterian Museum | The Operation)
The reopening of the Hunterian Museum at
the Royal College of Surgeons took place on
Tuesday 16th May 2023. The Museum, named
after the 18th century surgeon and anatomist
John Hunter (1728-1793), reopens following a
five-year redevelopment of the Royal College
of Surgeons of England’s headquarters at
Lincoln’s Inn Fields in London.
The £4.6 million museum development
includes the display of over 2,000 anatomical
preparations from Hunter’s original collection,
alongside instruments, equipment, models,
paintings and archive material, which trace
the history of surgery from ancient times
to the latest robot-assisted operations. The
Museum includes England’s largest public
display of human anatomy.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH)
is delighted to be part of the new museum
displays and was chosen to have one of its
surgery teams videoed, performing intricate
orthopaedic ankle surgery, in a film which
depicts the dedication and teamwork involved
in modern healthcare.
The reopening is set to bring to life an
incredible display of surgical history and
innovation. The WUTH surgical team was led
by orthopaedic surgeon Miss Gillian Jackson,
highlighting the talent and skill of female
surgeons in a field that is traditionally male
dominated, with just a fifth of all surgeons
being women, and only 11% female trauma and
orthopaedic surgeons.
The filmed surgery, which took place in 2022,
highlights the critical role of surgical teams
and highlights the care required to deliver the
best possible outcomes for patients.
The film of the surgery is a testament to the
skill and commitment of the surgical team
at WUTH and demonstrates the precise and
delicate techniques used to repair an ankle
fracture.
Miss Gillian Jackson said: “We were honoured
to be asked to contribute to the Hunterian
Museum in this new exhibit. It has been a
wonderful experience and opportunity. I’m so
proud of everyone involved in the filming.
The surgery video is now part of a film
that will be displayed alongside interviews
with surgeons and their patients. Through
time-lapse editing, a 90-minute operation
is condensed to just ten minutes, allowing
viewers to witness the intricate ballet-like
choreography and close teamwork involved in
a surgical procedure. The film offers a unique
insight into surgical care and highlights the
importance of teamwork. The film also can
be found on the Hunterian Museum website
hunterianmuseum.org.
“The film demonstrates that surgery is not just
the work of the surgeon, it’s about a whole
team of dedicated professionals – nurses,
anaesthetists, operating theatre practitioners,
healthcare assistants and radiographers - all
with a vital role in an operation, using skills,
care and precision in our work, in order to
improve patients’ lives. Surgery is a hugely
rewarding career and I hope the film will
inspire young people, especial young women,
to join the profession.”
The Hunterian Museum also features an
exquisite artwork by internationally renowned
artist, Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), called
‘Concourse (2)’ which shows an operation
scene with all of the surgical team focused
and attentive on the care of their patient.
The newly commissioned film of the
orthopaedic surgery is displayed close to
the artwork, with the film reflecting the
teamwork and coordination exemplified in
Hepworth’s painting. The Hunterian Museum,
with free admission for all, is at the centre
of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s
public engagement, exploring the art and
science of surgery from ancient times to the
present day. It is one of the most influential
medical museums in the world.
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral
University Teaching Hospital said: “Wirral
University Teaching Hospital is proud and
honoured to have been part of this project,
highlighting the talent of women in surgery,
through Miss Jackson and her team, and
showing the significance of teamwork in
providing excellent care for patients.
“I hope also that the film will encourage
women to follow Miss Jackson’s example to
work in the NHS and consider surgery as a
career.”
Dawn Kemp, RCSEng, Director of Museums and
Special Collections, said: “Many people never
get to witness a whole operation from start to
finish and to appreciate just how many skilled
and committed people are involved in the
care of each patient. We are very grateful to
Gillian Jackson, her team at Wirral University
Hospital and most importantly, their patient,
for their generosity in allowing us all this
exceptional ‘behind the scenes’ view.
“The film, taken from one fixed vantage point
and with a fast frame application, which shows
the whole operation in just ten minutes, has
the feel of a beautifully choreographed ballet.
It is mesmerising and profoundly moving.
Thank you everyone at WUTH for helping
make the Hunterian Museum such an enriching
experience.’’
The reopening of The Hunterian Museum
marks a new era of surgical innovation and
history. WUTH is honoured to have been a
part of this incredible milestone and hopes
that the public will enjoy visiting to see the
significance of the history of surgery and the
progress in medical science displayed at Royal
College of Surgeons of England.
The Royal College of Surgeons hopes that the
reopening of the museum will be an inspiration
for healthcare professionals, science students
and the public.
You can view the video here:
https://youtu.be/Q3-N7DYvIAk
The next issue copy deadline, Friday 30th June 2023
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