BAPRAS celebrates ground breaking research as the UK's biggest ever plastic surgery meeting closes

6th December 2011

 

As the UK’s biggest ever meeting on plastic surgery closes, BAPRAS celebrates a landmark event when over 400 plastic surgeons gathered to discuss the latest innovations in plastic surgery, and reiterates its’ call for patient access to these life changing techniques.

In total 106 papers were presented by some of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. Highlights from the meeting included:
•  Fresh insights into techniques and patient satisfaction levels for plastic surgery-led breast reconstruction
•  Novel concepts learnt from the first ever lower limb transplant carried out seven years ago
•  Discussions surrounding 10 years of world leading experience of craniofacial work by the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital
•  Presentations on innovative techniques for body contouring surgery following massive weight loss (bariatric surgery) by UK and USA Plastic Surgeons
•  Ground breaking reports on plastic surgery’s future role in treating injured men and women in the armed forces
•  New techniques for dealing with burns victims

The winner of the 2011 BAPRAS President’s Prize was announced at the meeting. The accolade was awarded to Thet Su Win for her research into the difficult area of chronic transplant rejection. Her research has looked at this problem in the exciting new field of composite tissue allotransplants (faces, limbs, and other body parts) using a model based on solid organs.

On the final day of the meeting, Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director, was present to see the launch of a new e-learning tool for trainee Plastic Surgeons. The e-Learning for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery project (e-LPRAS) has been developed by BAPRAS in partnership with the Department of Health scheme e-Learning for Healthcare. It will offer over 900 learning modules covering topics including anatomy, pathology, surgical principles, clinical practice and professionalism. The first set of sessions are now online: www.e-lfh.org.uk

Sir Bruce then spoke to a packed lecture theatre about the future shape of the NHS, including his thoughts on patient access, clinical influence, the use of IT and managing the NHS budget. He said:
“Times are tough but times have never been better for specialist organisations like BAPRAS to influence the way our NHS moves forward.”

At the close of the meeting President Tim Goodacre, who will complete his tenure at the end of 2011, said:
“Presenting at the BAPRAS Winter Meeting is the gold standard for any surgeon and this year there was very strong scientific content on both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, backed up by stimulating and lively debate. Over the course of three days, surgeons have come together, shared ideas and helped drive the highest standards of healthcare forward.

“Plastic surgeons are increasingly being found at the centre of multi-disciplinary teams in the NHS, able to help patients overcome medical problems of both form and function. This is where our skills are best used and it is critical we ensure that patients across the UK have access to the life changing plastic surgery techniques that we have seen showcased at the meeting.”

The new BAPRASvoice website went live at the meeting.  The site offers members, the public and the media a chance to share and discuss the latest industry news and opinions. A Q&A was hosted on the site, live from the meeting, with Professor Simon Kay and David Coleman fielding questions on the subject ‘Do patients have adequate access to Plastic Surgery on the NHS?’ 

 

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