Trust’s surgical teaching expertise helps shape the future of hip replacement care | News

A consultant surgeon from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has shared his expertise at one of the country’s most renowned orthopaedic centres, highlighting how the Trust’s commitment to teaching and professional development benefits patients both locally and across the NHS.

Mr Stefan Niculescu, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, was invited to Wrightington Hospital to teach Mr Josh Lamb, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, the Röttinger approach to total hip replacement. The muscle-sparing surgical technique is already offered to suitable patients at Mid Yorkshire.

During the visit, Mr Lamb successfully performed three total hip replacements under Mr Niculescu’s guidance, building on training previously completed at Pontefract Hospital, home of MY Elective Orthopaedic Hub.

The invitation reflects the specialist knowledge within the Trust and the important role its clinicians play in developing the NHS workforce. By teaching advanced techniques and sharing learning with colleagues, experienced surgeons help spread best practice, strengthen clinical skills and support patients to benefit from high-quality and continuously improving care.

Mr Niculescu said: “To be invited to Wrightington Hospital as a teacher, sharing a technique in which I have developed particular expertise, was a genuinely special moment.

“It was particularly rewarding to see Mr Lamb successfully demonstrate his skill, preparation and commitment to learning. This was about much more than teaching a surgical technique. It was an opportunity to share knowledge, advance surgical practice and help shape the future of hip surgery.”

The Röttinger approach uses a natural space between the muscles and avoids cutting major muscles. For suitable patients, this can support earlier mobilisation, less pain during the initial recovery period, greater stability and fewer restrictions following surgery.

The Trust’s teaching expertise is supported by strong clinical services in which new skills can be developed and applied. MY Elective Orthopaedic Hub recently achieved NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation, following a rigorous assessment of patient pathways, staff training, clinical outcomes, facilities and productivity.

Delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, GIRFT accreditation is a nationally recognised mark of excellence and provides independent recognition that the hub meets high clinical and operational standards.

For patients, the dedicated hub provides quicker access to planned procedures including hip and knee replacements. Its beds and surgical capacity are protected from emergency pressures, helping to reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations, streamline care pathways and improve the overall patient experience. 

The accreditation also gives patients confidence that they are receiving care in a service that meets nationally recognised standards for quality, safety and efficiency.

Mr Niculescu added: “Teaching and learning are central to improving patient care. Sharing expertise helps surgeons develop their skills, supports the wider adoption of effective techniques and ensures that patients benefit from the latest knowledge and high standards of surgical practice.”

The combination of specialist teaching, collaboration and GIRFT-accredited services demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to developing its workforce while delivering safe, efficient and patient-centred orthopaedic care.