Congratulations to four elective surgical hubs which have been awarded accreditation as part of a GIRFT scheme to ensure the highest standards in clinical and operational practice.

The hubs 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.

The four newly accredited hubs have been recognised for consistently delivering high standards in clinical performance, operational efficiency and patient care. They are:

• Harrogate Surgical Hub – Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

• Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre Hub – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

• Alexandra Hospital Hub – Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 

• Cambridge Movement Hub – Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

There are now 52 hubs successfully accredited out of the 120 hubs currently in operation across the NHS in England. A further ten hubs are due to open by the end of 2026 and the GIRFT programme is running quarterly cohorts to accredit all hubs.

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 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 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.”