A man from Hartlepool who was treated in his local hospital’s new surgical hub has praised the service – as it marks the first few months since its launch.
Douglas Buchanan is one of many patients treated over the last few months at the University Hospital of Hartlepool since it was accredited by NHS England.
The 82-year-old had hip surgery in the centre, which was given surgical hub status last year so it can increase surgical capacity and offer patients quicker access to non-urgent operations.
This includes orthopaedic operations such as hip and knee replacements as well as gynaecology, surgical and breast procedures.
The site, run by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, is already the organisation’s dedicated elective hub.
Douglas said: “I found that from pre-assessment clinics to procurement of home aids to the access lounge staff who put me at ease, to the anaesthetic injection through the operation itself and then the recovery ward team – the whole process ran like clockwork.
“I then spent a day on the elective ward where the cleaners, catering staff, healthcare assistants, nurse and physios could not do enough for me.
“I was discharged the next day on time with walking aids and medication. Since then I have had my wound checked at hospital and had visits from occupational therapists to make sure my exercises were on track.
“I have had other joint replacement surgery at Hartlepool and always found the whole process was like a well-oiled machine run by professional and caring people.”
Surgical hubs are separated from emergency services, meaning beds kept free for patients waiting for planned operations.
Focus on patients needing planned surgery
Richard Jeavons, clinical director for orthopaedics, said: “The positive experiences of local people like Douglas are exactly why we needed surgical hub status in Hartlepool.
“Our team here in the hospital is able to focus on treating patients who need this planned surgery, reducing the risk of short-notice cancellations during busy periods across the organisation.
“It also means we are able to protect staff, facilities and theatre capacity, so we can carry out more procedures and deliver shorter waits for surgery.”
Lindsey Wallace, care group director for collaborative care, said: “We recently had a three month review visit by the NHS England team to see how the hub was progressing, where we received very positive feedback.
“It is thanks to the efforts of not only our fantastic teams in our surgery teams at Hartlepool but also staff across the hospital and the Trust.
“Staff have worked hard to ensure theatre time is dedicated to patients like Douglas who have been waiting for their non-urgent procedures.”
The scheme is run by NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time programme, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and supported by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
It assesses hubs against a framework of standards to help them deliver some of the most common surgical procedures and aims to assure patients about the high standards of clinical care.