Footballers in Wales are suffering fewer injuries thanks to an initiative between Nuffield Health and the FAW
THE FAW’S MEDICAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE AT NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF AND VALE HOSPITALS IS ONE OF ONLY THREE IN THE UK WITH FIFA ACCREDITATION.
THEY’RE on the ball!
Nuffield Health Cardiff and
Vale Hospitals will continue its longstanding partnership with the Football Association of
Wales (FAW) on their
FIFA accredited FAW Medical Centre of Excellence.
The Centre of Excellence helps promote injury prevention and the improvement of footballers’ physical health, mental health and well-being. It is one of only three in the UK with
FIFA accreditation. There are only 50 centres accredited by
FIFA worldwide.
Nuffield Health Cardiff and
Vale Hospitals has been part of this working partnership for the past 10 years
FAW medical services manager and lead physiotherapist
Sean Connelly said:
“By collaborating with Nuffield Health, we are able to provide state-of-the-art clinical management of football medicine issues, including surgical and non-surgical expertise in musculoskeletal medicine for male and female players of all ages, ranging from recreational amateurs through to elite professionals.”
INJURY PREVENTION
Nuffield Health consultant orthopaedic knee surgeon
Chris Wilson said the partnership had helped see fewer football-related injuries over the last decade.
He said: “To ensure their accreditation with FIFA, the Football Association of
Wales works closely with Nuffield Health’s surgical specialists and diagnostic facilities and with research partners in injury prevention and treatment.
“Over the years, we have had significant success in reducing football injuries at the higher levels in football, using this collaborative approach.”
By working alongside the FAW, the service can often give players returning to the game following an injury, confidence and encouragement, both mentally and physically.
Rhys Thomas, Nuffield Health consultant orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon, said, “We are delighted that the FAW and FIFA continue to collaborate with Nuffield Health as a centre of excellence. This allows all levels of athletes to be confident in the healthcare pathway needed to return them to football.”
HIGH STANDARDS
The partnership also helps develop and nurture more medical specialists who can continue the good work being done.
Sean added: “Research goes hand in hand with clinical excellence to make sure we are providing safe, responsive and effective care and treatment. We also focus on educating and training the next generation of clinical specialists and scientists committed to football medicine.”
Nuffield Health Cardiff and
Vale Hospitals is the UK’s largest healthcare charity and the quality of its services are regularly audited to ensure its high standards are maintained.
Hospital director Rob Thomas said Nuffield Health was proud to be an integral part of the FAW’s FIFA centre of medical excellence.
He said: “This relationship has stood the test of time and demonstrates the faith placed in us because of our continued support to elite football players by the FAW.”
For more information about Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals visit the website here www.nuffieldhealth.com/ hospitals/cardiff-and-valeor or call 029 20836714. You can also keep up to date on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.