SPET getting patients back on their feet

Date: 03 December 2016

Enhanced Patient Recovery Team
Members of the The Surgical Patient Enhancement Team (SPET)

The Surgical Patient Enhancement Team (SPET) comprises a mix of general surgery, orthopaedics and physiotherapy skills to deliver a programme of intensive, pre- and post-operative care to patients having surgery to their hip, knee, kidney, prostate or breast.

‘We work in partnership with patients to inform them about their surgery before it happens and support them to recover afterward,’ explains Jackie Hammond, Team Leader. ‘Before surgery, orthopaedic patients are invited to come to the Joint School, a class we run in the Trafalgar Suite. Patients are given information about the procedure they are going to have, and learn how to manage possible complications on discharge. Patients are supported by a team that includes occupational therapists, who help to ensure patients can return home safely. This personalised support helps patients to understand what they can expect, and greatly reduces the fear of surgery itself.’

SPET provides personalised home care for patients who are medically fit for discharge after having had general surgical procedures, delivering the same level of acute care that they would receive in hospital in the comfort of their home. This helps to reduce post-operative complications and reduces patients’ anxiety. Where complications do occur, a member of the team is able to intervene early, so that these can be dealt with quickly through the correct services.

Jackie adds, ‘What gives us all the greatest satisfaction is supporting these patients in their recovery, so that they can get back to doing the things they enjoy, free of worry and pain.’

  • Summary:

    The Surgical Patient Enhancement Team (SPET) deliver a programme of intensive, pre- and post-operative care to patients having surgery to their hip, knee, kidney, prostate or breast.