Five more elective surgical hubs have been awarded accreditation as part of a GIRFT scheme to ensure the highest standards in clinical and operational practice.
The hubs which exclusively perform planned surgery bring together the skills and expertise of staff under one roof, with protected facilities and theatres. They are helping to deliver shorter waits for surgery. The hub beds are designated for patients waiting for planned surgical procedures, and are protected from emergency admissions, reducing the risk of short-notice cancellations.
The five newly accredited hubs are:
- Westmorland General Hospital – University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS FT.
- Bridlington Hospital – York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Grafton Way Building, University College Hospital – University College London Hospitals NHS FT.
- Friarage Hospital – South Tees Hospitals NHS FT.
- Plymouth Children’s Surgical Unit – University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
There are currently 117 hubs in operation across the NHS in England with 49 of those successfully accredited. A further 18 hubs are due to open by the end of 2026 and the GIRFT programme is running quarterly cohorts to accredit all hubs by April 2026.
The accreditation scheme, run in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and supported by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, assesses hubs against a framework of standards to help hubs deliver faster access to some of the most common surgical procedures such as cataract surgeries and hip replacements. It also seeks to assure patients about the high standards of clinical care provided by the hubs.
Accreditation is not mandatory, but it offers hubs recognition that they work to a defined set of clinical and operational standards. Improving quality and efficiency will mean patients have shorter waits for surgery, will be more likely to go home on the same day, and will be less likely to need additional treatment after surgery.
The hubs, which are separated from hospital emergency services, are part of plans nationally to increase capacity for elective care with more dedicated operating theatres and beds.
Professor Tim Briggs, Chair of GIRFT and NHS England’s National Director for Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery, said:
“GIRFT’s focus is on developing surgical hubs with the aim of improving patient flow so that patients have shorter waits for surgery, will be more likely to be able to go home on the same day, and have a better patient experience.
We want to provide the assurance for patients and staff that these sites are delivering safe and high-quality care now and will continue to accelerate their progress and productivity in the future.”
