Fylde super doc on TV

12:35pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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The work of a Fylde coast surgeon who has treated patients in some of the world’s poorest countries is the subject of a prime-time TV show being shown tonight.

The BBC series SuperDoctors, hosted by Professor Robert Winston, has been looking at modern developments in medicine, but for the final week decided to look at medics who work with very little expensive equipment or support.

The programme follows Steve Mannion an orthopaedic surgeon at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, on his work in Malawi, Africa, and will take a closer look at a treatment Mr Mannion has promoted in the country for the congenital condition clubfoot.

Mr Mannion, who lives in Blackpool with his Malawian wife, Mercy, and a young daughter, Tarisayi, said: “I have worked a lot in the developing world since I qualified in 1989 and spent time in war zones during the 90s, such as Afghanistan, Rwanda and Ethiopia.”

He spent four years working in Malawi between 1999 and 2003, before returning to the UK to take up a job share role at the Vic, that allows him to work six months on and six months off, spending some of his time off working in the developing world.

“A lot of people who suffer with clubfoot in Malawi were unsure about getting treated,” said Mr Mannion, “but they weren’t aware that there is a treatment that does not require surgery and can be done fairly easily.

“I promoted this treatment where I could and encouraged people to try it. I’ve now trained doctors and physios in the country to carry it out themselves, so they don’t need our help anymore.”

There are now several clinics in Malawi which specialise in the condition which can leave sufferers unable to walk throughout their life if it goes untreated. These are run thanks to funding from the charity Feet First, which was set up by Mr Mannion.

On his last visit, the enterprising surgeon, who has just returned from working in Sierra Leone, took with him two of the team from the Fylde Coast Hospital a private hospital in Blackpool, where he also does some work. They helped train local doctors in the country.

Mr Mannion added: “It is so rewarding to know that you are going out there and really making a difference to people’s lives.”

SuperDoctors is scheduled to be screened on BBC One tonight at 9pm.