The South East and South West Cardiac Clinical Networks present the launch event for the new NHS England Southern supra-regional Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the management of acute aortic dissection. This event marks a significant step forward in the coordinated response to aortic dissection across South East and South West England.
The SOP, developed in response to the NHS England Acute Aortic Dissection Toolkit, represents a comprehensive approach to handling acute aortic dissection cases. It covers crucial aspects such as imaging, stabilisation, and critical care transfer of patients presenting with this condition. This development is the culmination of collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including invaluable input from patients.
This event is relevant for emergency department doctors, vascular surgeons, cardiac specialists, cardiologists, radiologists, and adult intensive care doctors specialising in acute aortic dissection management. Additionally, ambulance service staff involved in patient transfers, service managers, as well as patients, families, and carers from the NHS England South East and South West regions are encouraged to attend.
About the SOP
The SOP, integral to the management of acute aortic dissection in South East and South West England, is structured around the seven principles outlined in the NHSE Acute Aortic Dissection Pathway Toolkit:
- Regional Governance: Ensuring consistent and high-quality care across the region through effective oversight and regulation.
- Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) & MDT Meetings (MDMs): Harnessing the expertise of various specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Regional Rotas & Single Point of Contact for Referrals: Streamlining the referral process to ensure rapid response and treatment.
- Timely & Reliable Image Transfer: Facilitating the quick and secure sharing of diagnostic images between facilities.
- Safe Critical Care Patient Transfer from ED to Arterial Centre: Ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of patients to specialised centres for optimal care.
- Specialist Treatment of All Acute Aortic Dissection: Providing targeted and specialised treatment to all patients suffering from acute aortic dissection.
- Regional Education Programme: Educating healthcare professionals on the latest developments and best practices in aortic dissection management.
Regional Outreach
The charity has been a cornerstone in supporting the implementation and rollout of the toolkit nationally. Recently, we extended our support to the North West of England, Wales, and the Isle of Man, hosting a similar event last year. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that all regions across the UK are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage acute aortic dissection effectively.
We are particularly excited to give patients and their families a voice at these events. It is with great pleasure that Bob Harris OBE, our esteemed ambassador, will be joining the day to share his personal experience with acute aortic dissection. Bob’s story gives invaluable insight into the real-life impact of this condition. Incorporating patient perspectives is essential in our work. These experiences offer vital insights into the real-world effects of medical conditions, helping us to understand and address these challenges more effectively. This approach ensures our healthcare solutions are not only informed by clinical knowledge but also shaped by the valuable experiences of those directly affected.
