Published on: 10th April 2024
RNOH has been successfully accredited as an elective surgical hub delivering high standards in clinical and operational practice.
The scheme, run by NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 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.
Surgical hubs, which are separated from emergency services, are part of plans nationally to increase capacity for elective care with more dedicated operating theatres and beds.
The hubs exclusively perform planned surgery and mainly focus on high volume, low complexity (HVLC) surgery across six specialties - ophthalmology, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat, and urology.
Hubs bring together the skills and expertise of staff under one roof, with protected facilities and theatres, helping to deliver shorter waits for surgery. Because they are separated from emergency services, their surgical beds can be kept free for patients waiting for planned operations, reducing the risk of short-notice cancellations.
RNOH was recently visit
ed and assessed by the GIRFT team for accreditation and recognition that the hub is working to a defined set of clinical and operational standards on:
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The patient pathway
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Staff and training
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Clinical governance and outcomes
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Facilities and ring-fencing
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Utilisation and productivity
RNOH is one of 35 hubs to date that have been accredited. There are around 100 hub sites currently in operation in England and the scheme is being rolled out nationally with quarterly cohorts to accredit all hubs over the next two years. While it is not mandatory for trusts to seek accreditation, the long-term goal is for every elective hub to be accredited.
Professor Tim Briggs, Chair of GIRFT and NHS England’s National Director for Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery, said: “We have been impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the hub teams who are delivering outstanding care.
“All of the sites we accredited are focused on delivering safe and high-quality care, and an excellent patient experience. GIRFT’s focus is on developing surgical hubs with the aim of improving patient flow so that patients have shorter waits for surgery and, for some procedures, will be more likely to be able to go home on the same day.”
Professor Paul Fish, RNOH Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have successfully achieved GIRFT surgical hub accreditation and it is testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams here at RNOH. We have received fantastic feedback from the GIRFT team about the dedication of our staff and the quality of care our patients receive and we’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with them and improving the services and care we provide even further.”