Latest news with #NoseandThroat
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New £24m surgery ward has 'cut waiting lists'
A new hospital unit has cut waiting lists for surgeries by carrying out 5,000 operations in its first year, it has claimed. The £24m Elective Surgery Hub at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford carries out planned procedures like gall bladder removals and hysterectomies. It opened last June to improve the efficiency of elective surgeries and reduce waiting times. In the past year, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust reported a trust-wide fall of 16% in waiting times. The hub itself found surgical activity rose by 34% each month since January. Mr Saurav Chakravartty, a consultant surgeon at the hub who specialises in upper gastrointestinal and bariatric or weight loss surgery, said: "In the last twelve months, we've operated on close to 5,000 patients and you can see [our work] in the reduction of waiting lists," he said. The unit performs gynaecology, vascular, ophthalmology, orthopaedic, breast, upper GI, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and maxillofacial procedures, in addition to general surgery. Ward manager Maj Kaur added that "up to 45" patients could be operated on daily and patients were usually discharged the same day. "Because we're in one space, there's not so many delays," she said. Matron Clare Marsh said the unit was based on a loop where patients moved from admission pods to one of four "state-of-the-art" theatres and finally recovery, where extra space for visitors and staff had received "amazing feedback". The straight-forward nature of the unit makes things simpler for patients, Ms Kaur added. "I think when you're having surgery you're quite stressed and anxious, so this really calms patients down. "Visitors can stay in the pods with their relatives which is nice because sometimes you're waiting a while before you go into theatre." Mr Chakravartty said when staff could do their jobs well and got positive feedback from patients, it boosted morale. "Staff want to do more and get their patients seen early - you can see the enthusiasm," he added. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. New surgery hub opens at hospital Delays caused staffing issues for new surgery unit GP surgeries to get £900,000 boost
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New £24m surgery ward has 'cut waiting lists'
A new hospital unit has cut waiting lists for surgeries by carrying out 5,000 operations in its first year, it has claimed. The £24m Elective Surgery Hub at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford carries out planned procedures like gall bladder removals and hysterectomies. It opened last June to improve the efficiency of elective surgeries and reduce waiting times. In the past year, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust reported a trust-wide fall of 16% in waiting times. The hub itself found surgical activity rose by 34% each month since January. Mr Saurav Chakravartty, a consultant surgeon at the hub who specialises in upper gastrointestinal and bariatric or weight loss surgery, said: "In the last twelve months, we've operated on close to 5,000 patients and you can see [our work] in the reduction of waiting lists," he said. The unit performs gynaecology, vascular, ophthalmology, orthopaedic, breast, upper GI, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and maxillofacial procedures, in addition to general surgery. Ward manager Maj Kaur added that "up to 45" patients could be operated on daily and patients were usually discharged the same day. "Because we're in one space, there's not so many delays," she said. Matron Clare Marsh said the unit was based on a loop where patients moved from admission pods to one of four "state-of-the-art" theatres and finally recovery, where extra space for visitors and staff had received "amazing feedback". The straight-forward nature of the unit makes things simpler for patients, Ms Kaur added. "I think when you're having surgery you're quite stressed and anxious, so this really calms patients down. "Visitors can stay in the pods with their relatives which is nice because sometimes you're waiting a while before you go into theatre." Mr Chakravartty said when staff could do their jobs well and got positive feedback from patients, it boosted morale. "Staff want to do more and get their patients seen early - you can see the enthusiasm," he added. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. New surgery hub opens at hospital Delays caused staffing issues for new surgery unit GP surgeries to get £900,000 boost
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Schoolgirl who nearly choked to death stuck on NHS waiting list as parents live in fear
Lauren Crome has been suffering from debilitating condition since she was three years old A 12-year-old girl who almost choked to death twice because of a severe tonsil condition has been told she will have to wait three years for an operation. Lauren Crome has been suffering from bouts of tonsillitis since she was three years old, having up to seven episodes a year. She has missed weeks of school at a time and has had to abandon her dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer because she is so poorly and cannot risk infection. Last year she was finally referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children where her parents were told there was a waiting list for treatment of 18 months. But a year later that waiting list for day surgery has risen to three years. Lauren's dad Stephen and mum Kellie have now been left living in fear. Stephen, 39, a charge nurse on an alcohol and drug recovery ward, said: 'Near enough every time the schools come back from a break she comes down with it. Last April she saw an ENT specialist who said he saw what they think are polyps on her tonsils. "She literally can't speak for two weeks, she is in agony and she has choked a couple of times. I have had to save her life twice with abdominal thrusts. There is no way she could go to school when she has it. She is too unwell for school.' Lauren is about to start second year at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh where she will shortly be choosing her subjects and, with ambitions of becoming a doctor, every minute spent away from school is a worry. Stephen said: 'She has missed so much school over the last three or four years because of it.' Two years ago the tonsillitis caused her to develop Mesenteric adenitis, a painful abdominal condition triggered by viral or bacterial infections. Stephen said: 'She was off school for months, she couldn't walk, she couldn't speak, she had to live downstairs in the house because she couldn't get up the stairs. It is just cruel to have somebody living like this, particularly a 12-year-old kid. She got put on the list last April we were told it would be 18 months. I phoned up at Christmas to get her put on the cancellation list and they said at that point it was two years. 'I phoned up last week to let them know she had choked again and at that point I was told it was three years. They said a consultant would phone me back but a week later I have heard nothing. 'I've had have to save her life twice. It was lucky I was there because if not I don't know what would have happened. Both times she had tonsillitis and she has not choked any other time so it is quite clearly because of her tonsils. 'Every time she gets it, it is getting worse and she is missing two weeks of school every couple of months. Choking is a life threatening thing and it's not something to be mucked about with when it can be easily dealt with by a simple out-patient operation; why it is three years is mental. 'I asked Lauren what she would do if she won the lottery, what would she buy first. She said she would pay to get her tonsils out. That's crazy that a 12-year-old's dreams are that.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The family are now looking into possibly taking a bank loan to pay privately for Lauren to have the operation. Stephen said: 'There is no way we can wait another 18 months to two years for an operation. That would be her Highers gone. It is hard for her to keep catching up. But if nothing happens within the next six months we will have to seriously look into that but something doesn't feel right about doing that. The NHS is supposed to be free for those who need it and if you are having to go private for something as simple as this what is the point in the NHS?' Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman, said: 'No parent should have to worry their child could choke to death just because the SNP has failed to get to grip with waiting lists. 'This situation is completely unacceptable and is causing untold misery to the family involved. 'The SNP must ensure Lauren receives the treatment she needs as soon as possible so that she can focus on her education and the family does not need to live in fear.' Dr Claire Harrow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services, apologised for the 'ongoing health challenges and the distress this is causing'. She said while they could not comment on individual cases 'we understand how difficult it is for anyone managing repeated episodes of tonsillitis'.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marquis Who's Who Honors Joseph Ryan Smolarz, MD, MBA, for Expertise in the Healthcare Industry
UNIONDALE, NY / / April 15, 2025 / Marquis Who's Who has honored Joseph Ryan Smolarz, MD, MBA, for his expertise in the health care industry. Dr. Smolarz is a distinguished otolaryngologist, entrepreneur, investor and inventor. He balances his time between working as a physician at his clinics operating on St. Thomas and St. Croix while managing various other business ventures, handling calls and client relations. Specifically, Dr. Smolarz specializes in the ownership, construction and operation of assisted living and memory care facilities. His broad expertise in other areas, including e-commerce and medical devices, has also been instrumental in his professional journey and made him a well-known figure in the industry. Dr. Smolarz's career began in 2010 when he became a physician at Virgin Islands Ear, Nose and Throat, a position he still maintains today. He then expanded his entrepreneurial ventures in 2017 by founding Smell Again and becoming an assisted living facility administrator at Beehive Homes Assisted Living. In the same year, Dr. Smolarz began working as a financial trader for Dragon King Capital, a position he still holds today. "Our focus is not only on raising capital from doctors but also on mentorship and teaching aspects of the firm where we bring potential doctor investors on board and teach them the mindset of investing, how to vet sponsors, how to look at a deal from a limited partner aspect and become comfortable with the investment," Dr. Smolarz says. In 2018, Dr. Smolarz became a storage specialist at Strategic Storage Investing. By 2021, he had further diversified his portfolio by becoming the co-founder of STOR Partners and the blockchain lead for SToR Token. His most recent venture was founding Dr. Ryan's in 2022, continuing to innovate in the medical field. Before beginning his career, Dr. Smolarz earned a Bachelor of Arts in microbiology from The University of Texas in 1998. Continuing his education at the same university, he earned a Doctor of Medicine at the Medical Branch in 2008 and completed his residency in otolaryngology at the Health Science Center in 2010. He furthered his education with an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami Herbert Business School in 2018. Dr. Smolarz has also obtained several certifications that have diversified his career. These include a certificate in blockchain excellence from Columbia Business School, a private pilot certificate, an instrument rating, a multi-engine certification and a commercial multi-engine certification. Dr. Smolarz also holds several patents, including one for a formulation for treating acid reflux comprising sodium alginate and another for a wireless audio transmitter and receiver bone device using bone conduction. His contributions to healthcare have been recognized through his membership in several prestigious organizations, such as the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Smolarz attributes his success to having a supportive and understanding wife who allows him to pursue his ambitious endeavors. He also emphasizes the importance of unwavering drive and determination for success and believes in defying those who said he could not achieve his goals. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Smolarz is dedicated to raising his children, which he considers his most fulfilling achievement. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his firm significantly and envisions managing $100 million in assets through building up a substantial business. About Marquis Who's Who® Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, Marquis Who's WhoUniondale, NY(844) 394 - 6946info@ SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Hosts Groundbreaking Global Meet on Eustachian Tube Research
The First International Conference on Eustachian Canal Research and Interventions concluded successfully at the Intercontinental Hotel Dubai, held alongside the 20th Middle East Academy of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Conference. The landmark event brought together leading otolaryngologists and researchers from around the world to explore advancements and gaps in understanding the Eustachian tube — a small but critical component of the ear that often escapes focused attention in clinical practice. Dr. Muath Tarabishi, President of the Conference, underscored the significance of hosting such a pioneering event in the UAE, calling it 'a milestone in the region's advancement in ENT care and research.' He emphasized that Dubai's role in bringing global experts together reflects its growing leadership in healthcare innovation. He noted that discussions tackled key challenges in diagnosing and treating Eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly the need for tailored approaches across age groups. 'We expect the insights shared here to fuel the next wave of clinical breakthroughs,' he added. Dr. Dennis Poe, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and former chair of the International Working Group on Eustachian Tube (IWGET), said the meeting crystallized some of the field's most urgent clinical questions. 'We're now aligning global efforts to find evidence-based answers that will directly benefit patient care,' he said. As the conference closes, experts agree the dialogue it sparked marks a vital step forward in elevating global ENT standards — and in making Dubai a hub for medical progress in this often under-researched domain. News Source: Emirates News Agency
