Perioperative practice
Setting the standard for perioperative excellence
The AfPP’s Audit and Accreditation reviews all aspects of perioperative practice, with a focus on safety-critical processes and cultural behaviours. Circle Health Group has achieved a major milestone, with Accreditation across 49 hospitals. This article provides an insight into the healthcare provider’s journey.
Across the UK, the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is shaping the future of patient safety in the operating theatre. Through its Audit and Accreditation, AfPP provides hospitals with an independent, structured framework to benchmark their performance, strengthen their governance, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. This is not about passing a test. It is about
reassurance, collaboration, and culture change. AfPP Audit and Accreditation gives perioperative teams the tools and external validation they need to re-assure that their theatres meet the very highest standards of patient safety and care. This year marks a major milestone for
AfPP Audit and Accreditation. In collaboration with Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest independent hospital provider, AfPP has accredited 49 of Circle’s 54 hospitals and more than 155 operating theatres. With 49 of Circle’s 54 hospitals having
operating theatres, this achievement makes Circle the first provider in the independent sector to achieve AfPP Accreditation across all its theatres.
What is AfPP Accreditation? AfPP Theatre Accreditation is a structured process that evaluates a hospital’s perioperative
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AfPP Theatre Accreditation is about far more than compliance. It is about reassurance, learning, and culture change.
services against evidence-based standards. Built on the AfPP Standards & Recommendations for Safe Perioperative Practice (2022), Accreditation ensures services are aligned with recognised national frameworks. Unlike an inspection, AfPP Audit and
Accreditation is a collaborative, evidence- based review process, designed to promote development, encourage reflective practice, and acknowledge excellence, while giving hospitals confidence that their services meet recognised standards of quality and safety. AfPP Chief Executive Officer, Alex Duke explains: “AfPP Theatre Accreditation is about far more than compliance. It is about reassurance, learning, and culture change. By working with hospitals across the UK, including Circle Health Group, we help perioperative teams reflect on
their practice, celebrate what they are doing well, and make improvements where they are needed. The result is safer care for patients, greater consistency across services, and stronger confidence among staff.”
Accreditation in practice: what it covers AfPP Audit and Accreditation reviews all aspects of perioperative practice, with a focus on safety- critical processes and cultural behaviours. Areas assessed include: l National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs2) - Assessing compliance and consistency.
l Management & Human Resources - Reviewing governance, leadership structures, training, and staff development.
l Accountable Items - Examining how surgical instruments, swabs, and medical devices are managed.
l Documentation & Policy - Ensuring local policies align with AfPP Standards and national guidance.
l Culture & Teamwork - Observing communication and safety culture within teams.
This structured approach gives hospitals: l Independent assurance of compliance.
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