MORE people across South Devon are getting their planned operations sooner as the surgical hub at Torbay Hospital now nationally accredited in recognition of the standard of care.

The scheme, run by NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and supported by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, assesses surgical 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.

The accreditation reflects sustained work by day case theatres, including Ophthalmology, at Torbay Hospital during an exceptionally busy period and supports Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times and improve local people’s experience of planned surgery.

For patients, this means shorter waits, fewer last-minute cancellations and a smoother experience from first appointment through to recovery.

Joe Teape, Chief Executive, said: ‘This accreditation is a significant and well earned achievement.

‘It reflects the consistently high standard of care delivered in our theatres and the strong sense of teamwork that runs right across the planned care pathway.

‘I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism, pride and collaboration that has underpinned this recognition’.

The day case theatres, including Ophthalmology, at Torbay Hospital are among the strongest performing surgical hubs in the South West helping more people have their surgery and go home the same day.

Dr Rory Honney, Deputy Medical Director for Planned Care and Surgery, said: ‘This reflects the focus of our teams on getting the basics right for people coming in for planned surgery. From preparation through to recovery, it’s about consistency, teamwork and supporting each other to provide high-quality care, even under pressure.

‘I am very proud of the way colleagues have supported one another to maintain high standards of care, even when services have been under real pressure’.

The surgical hub’s work also supports wider improvements to waiting times for planned care across all our specialities.

No one is now waiting more than 78 weeks and the number of people waiting more than 65 weeks has reduced to fewer than 50, while work continues to reduce the longest waits even further.

Overall, more planned care is being delivered than before the pandemic, with activity at 114 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and a continued focus on those who need care most urgently.

Professor Tim Briggs, GIRFT programme lead 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’.