Newham orthopaedic surgical hub recognised nationally for meeting top standards
Our surgical centre for routine bone and joint operations at Newham Hospital is now officially rated among the best in the country for high clinical standards of care and fast access for patients.
The Barts Health Orthopaedic Centre joined a select group of elective surgical hubs accredited by NHS England following an intensive inspection last month. As well as status, accreditation gives the team expert help to make further improvements.
Surgical hubs like the Barts Health Orthopaedic Centre at Newham exclusively perform planned operations and play a key part in plans nationally to increase elective capacity by bringing staff with specific skills and expertise together under one roof to streamline and increase the number of operations carried out. They are separated from urgent emergency services, so beds are kept free for patients waiting for routine procedures, reducing the risk of short-notice cancellations.
A report from NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, highlighted areas of excellence including enthusiastic and highly skilled staff, flexible working arrangements, and an inclusive culture in which employees feel integrated and supported.
It also commended the way a diverse patient population had access to staff who speak languages other than English, noted an excellent and dedicated leadership structure, and praised the efficiency of the hub’s operating system.
The NHS now has 24 hubs focusing on delivering high volumes of low complexity, elective surgery in key specialities like orthopaedics to reduce waiting times. Improving quality and efficiency means patients have shorter waits for surgery, are more likely to go home on the same day, and less likely to need additional treatment afterwards.
Speaking on the accolade, Mr Rej Bhumbra, clinical orthopaedic network director, said: “We are committed to reducing the amount of time patients wait for an operation throughout North East London, and this recognition will give everyone the confidence that we’re working to deliver the highest quality of care they need as quickly and safely as possible.”
Dr Neil McDonald, divisional director for surgery at Newham Hospital, added: “This is a fantastic achievement that highlights what we’re doing well, shines a light on where we can do better, and provides us with the support we need to continue improving our services and the care we provide patients.”
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