Professor Simon Kenny, recognized with an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his contributions to paediatric surgery, holds the position of consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. In a conversation with Saša Janković, he delves into the interconnectedness of his diverse leadership roles, his pioneering work in advanced minimally invasive paediatric surgery, and the pivotal role of addressing health disparities in enhancing child health outcomes.
Breaking Barriers: A Trailblazer in Paediatric Surgery
Professor Simon Kenny, the first in his family to attend university, underwent training in Birmingham and Liverpool in the UK, as well as in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2003, he has served as a consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon and urologist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, specializing in urology and lower gastrointestinal surgery.
In addition to his clinical role, Professor Kenny holds an honorary professorship in child health and has a keen interest in research areas such as population-level data and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, he chairs the Women’s and Children’s Programme of Care in Specialised Commissioning, demonstrating his commitment to advancing healthcare services.
A Visionary Leader: Redefining Child Health Services
Professor Kenny’s leadership journey took a significant turn during his tenure as clinical director at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping services and overseeing the transition to the state-of-the-art Alder Hey in the Park building in 2015. Collaborating closely with children and families during this transformative phase, he ensured that their needs remained central to care delivery.
One notable example of this patient-centered approach is the innovative design of the operating theatre, where children entering for surgery are shielded from those exiting, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for patients and families alike.
Driving Quality Improvement: The GIRFT Initiative
Driven by a passion for effecting positive change, Professor Kenny assumed the role of clinical lead for the paediatric general surgery and urology workstream within the ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT) programme in 2017. Through rigorous review and data analysis, he spearheaded initiatives to enhance the quality and efficiency of children’s surgical services across England.
His efforts culminated in the publication of a comprehensive GIRFT report in February 2021, which underscored the importance of optimizing surgical expertise and resource allocation to benefit young patients. Noteworthy advancements include the development of the Summary Paediatric Indicator Table data tool (SPaedIT), facilitating informed decision-making and promoting elective recovery.
Pioneering Practices: Advancing Paediatric Surgical Techniques
Professor Kenny’s pioneering work in minimally invasive laparoscopy for children has positioned him as a leading authority in transformative surgical practices. While acknowledging ongoing technical challenges, such as the adaptation of robotics for paediatric surgery, he emphasizes the paramount importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Furthermore, his research endeavors aim to establish robust outcome measures for paediatric surgical interventions, leveraging data analytics and collaboration with institutions like Oxford University to refine patient care standards.
Charting the Future: A Commitment to Patient-Centric Care
Looking ahead, Professor Kenny remains dedicated to exploring innovative therapies for rare conditions like Hirschsprung’s disease, while reaffirming the indispensable role of direct patient interaction in shaping clinical leadership. He advocates for continuous professional development and underscores the value of empathy and firsthand experience in driving meaningful change within healthcare systems.
Reflecting on his journey, Professor Kenny views adaptability and a willingness to embrace change as essential attributes in navigating the complexities of paediatric healthcare. His receipt of the OBE serves as both recognition of past achievements and inspiration for future endeavors, as he continues to champion the health and well-being of children nationwide.
- : public
