GIRFT has accredited seven more elective surgical hubs as part of a scheme to ensure all hubs meet the highest standards in clinical and operational practice.
The scheme has been running since March 2023 and there are now 69 surgical hubs successfully accredited out of the 126 currently in operation across the NHS. The GIRFT programme is running quarterly cohorts to accredit all hubs in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and supported by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
The seven newly accredited hubs are part of Cohort 11 and have been recognised for consistently delivering high standards in clinical performance, operational efficiency and patient care. They are:
- Torbay Elective Hub – Torbay and South Devon NHS FT
- James Paget Orthopaedic Elective Centre – James Paget University Hospitals NHS FT
- Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Orthopaedic Centre (NaNOC) – Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS FT
- Solihull Elective Hub – University Hospitals Birmingham NHS FT
- Wye Valley Elective Surgical Hub – Wye Valley NHS Trust
- Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence – Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
- Whittington Health – Whittington Health NHS Trust
The GIRFT accreditation scheme 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 external 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. They exclusively perform planned surgery with protected facilities and theatres, helping to deliver shorter waiting times. 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.
Professor Tim Briggs, GIRFT programme lead 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.”
