Theatres: working smarter not harder

How can theatres work smarter, not harder? The Operating Theatres show recently brought together healthcare leaders and clinicians to discuss how productivity and efficiency can be improved, in an effort to tackle the unprecedented backlog.

 Louise Frampton reports.

According to NHS Improvement, over 291,000 more routine operations could be carried out per year by improving the scheduling of surgical lists. Variation in theatre productivity between different Trusts and different specialties has been evident – including late starts, early finishes and delays between operations. In the wake of the enormous backlog created by COVID-19, productivity and efficiency are coming under increasing scrutiny and the health service will need to look closely at how it can reduce waiting lists and maximise valuable theatre time. 

With this challenge at the forefront, the Operating Theatres show, organised by the Institute of Government and Public Policy, brought together thought leaders and healthcare professionals to discuss key strategies for reducing waiting times in operating theatres, improving safety and outcomes of surgical services, and achieving greater productivity and capacity 

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