Operating theatres
Overcoming inequalities on NHS waiting lists
The Institute for Government & Public Policy’s Operating Theatres Show is gaining a reputation as an inspirational and empowering event offering solutions to the critical problems currently facing operating theatres and NHS staff. CSJ provides an insight into the key issues that will be high on the agenda.
Taking place on 12 September, at the City of Manchester Stadium (known as the Etihad Stadium), the Annual Operating Theatres North Show will provide an insight into the future of operating theatres in the NHS. The event will explore the latest technology, efficiency improvements, and initiatives on how to work towards a greener future. Among the top expert speakers will include: l David Bunting, President, British Association of Day Surgery
l Mark Cheetham, National Clinical Lead for General Surgery, Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT)
l Naeem Soomro, Director of Robotic Surgery, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
l Pauline Harrington, National SSI Surveillance Manager, UK Health Security Agency
l Elaine Winkley, Clinical Lead for Sustainability, Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust
The event will address some of the hot topics and challenges affecting operating theatres – from tackling waiting lists, reducing surgical site infection and patient safety, to fostering mental wellbeing in operating theatres and green initiatives.
Hot topics The National Health Service (NHS) has faced persistent challenges in managing waiting lists, a problem that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a BMA analysis of waiting times1
in the NHS, in April 2024, the
waiting list in England included approximately 6,327,245 individual patients, with a total of 7,572,563 people awaiting treatment. A significant concern is the inequality in how waiting times impact different demographic groups. Addressing these inequalities is essential for ensuring a fair and effective healthcare system. Inequalities in NHS waiting lists are often
driven by structural, economic, and social factors. According to The King’s Fund,2
individuals from poorer areas or minority ethnic groups generally experience longer waiting times and poorer experiences while waiting for treatments such as elective surgeries. The NHS’s approach to managing these waiting lists must account for these disparities by disaggregating data based on ethnicity and deprivation to identify and address the root causes effectively. In 2020, NHS England initiated a policy
requiring NHS Trusts to take an inclusive approach to managing waiting lists. This approach includes identifying and prioritising care based on deprivation and ethnicity. Case studies from various Trusts have demonstrated early successes, such as making appointments more accessible and prioritising treatment for those most in need. For instance, initiatives like the one by NHS England have asked Trusts to embed work addressing health inequalities into their core operations. However, progress has been slow due to
operational challenges, unclear policies and cultural differences within the NHS regarding fair treatment prioritisation. Effective interventions have included using artificial intelligence to help prioritise care and making systemic changes to ensure accountability in addressing health inequalities. Reports from the Institute for Fiscal Studies3
and The King’s Fund2
highlight the necessity of clear accountability measures and fostering a culture that prioritises inclusivity in elective recovery. The King’s Fund suggests that to make meaningful progress, NHS England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and individual Trusts must collaborate effectively. Establishing clear accountability measures and fostering a culture that prioritises inclusivity is crucial. Moreover, improving data quality and transparency is essential for tracking progress and making informed decisions. Technological advancements, particularly in
artificial intelligence, offer promising solutions for managing waiting lists more equitably. AI can help identify those at greater risk due to longer
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I August 2024
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