We’ve been named Training Hospital of the Year by future surgeons from all three of the main orthopaedic training centres in north east London.

We’re the first trust in London to hold the accolade from all three training rotations: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Percival Potts and the Royal London Hospital, at the same time.

Each year trainees, who rotate to different hospitals every 6 to 12 months, vote for the hospital where they had the best experience during their learning.

Colleagues from our Trauma and Orthopaedic team picked up the award at the Royal London Hospital ceremony on Friday (27 June). This followed the RNOH awards on Wednesday 18 June, while the Percival Potts winner was announced in November.

Among those collecting the awards was orthopaedic surgeon Krishna Vemulapalli. Krishna himself trained at our Trust almost two decades ago and was determined to put our team on the map when he returned as a consultant in 2007.

He said:

I did my training here and I loved it; it was why I wanted to come back and I’m really proud I was here at the start of our journey. We as consultants work very closely with the trainees, in some cases literally holding their hands as they learn during operations. We also run flexible clinics where they find out more about examinations and diagnoses.

Since I joined, we’ve worked incredibly hard to completely turn around our department and it’s a very proud moment that we have achieved it. Our trauma meetings, where we discuss each patient and ensure trainees know what they are doing, have been voted one of the best in the circuit and we’re in a really good position to attract high calibre candidates.

James Wong, Clinical Lead, who also trained in our department, added:

Awards like these do not come around that often, and winning the Best Training Hospital for all three rotations simultaneously is unprecedented. Training is something our department has always taken great pride in, and I found the mentorship and training I received here so rich and rewarding I was determined to return.

This recognition comes amidst a drive in recent years to improve the quality of the services we provide. By improving our efficiency and operating capacity, we have increased the training opportunities we offer. We’ve also been able to change our rotas to get our registrars into operating theatres more often, as this more than anything will help train and shape future surgeons.

Trainees at our hospital are also able to benefit from hands-on experience with the latest technology as we’re one of only a handful of hospitals in the country to have a surgical robot to assist with hip and knee replacements.

Students praised our supportive and empowering training environment; strong emphasis on education through hands-on surgical exposure; and exceptional mentorship.

Pictured top are Krishna (third from left) and James (second right), holding the award from the Royal London Hospital, alongside colleagues.