28 Oct 2019, 9:24 a.m.

The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme has appointed a leading orthopaedic surgeon from the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to work as a clinical ambassador in its London hub.

Mr Vinay Takwale, Chief of the Division of Surgery at Gloucestershire Hospitals, will work with other clinicians and managers in the NHS to help improve patient care nationwide.

Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) is a national programme, designed to improve the quality of care within the NHS by reducing variations between individual trusts. It aims to help trusts share best practice, identify changes that will improve patient care, and help reduce unnecessary procedures.

GIRFT appoints experienced clinicians to support local NHS trusts in tackling challenges in patient care, along with helping implement recommendations from national reports.

Mr Takwale is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in upper limb surgery. He is currently the Chief of the Division of Surgery at Gloucestershire Hospitals, and was formerly president of the British Othopaedic Directors Society (BODS).

Mr Takwale said, “I have seen the value of the Getting It Right First Time programme first hand in my role at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“I am delighted to now be working as a clinical ambassador to help others maximise the opportunities highlighted by the GIRFT methodology and process.”