Perioperative practice
the reassurance that every Circle hospital is operating to the same high standard of safety. For patients, that means consistency and confidence when they come into contact with our theatres.” Circle’s success demonstrates how
Accreditation can drive improvement across an entire organisation, fostering consistency while also respecting the individuality of each theatre team.
Staff experience: the human impact One of the strongest outcomes of Accreditation is its impact on theatre teams themselves. Staff consistently report that the process improves confidence, teamwork, and morale. At The Priory Hospital, part of Circle Health
Group, perioperative staff reflected: “Like AfPP, the Priory Hospital is dedicated to providing effective practice within our theatres that is safe for both our patients and our staff. Working with AfPP has been a really rewarding experience and has enabled us to gain the assurance that we are providing care of the highest standard. “The AfPP Team were kind and supportive during their visit and took the time to get to know the theatre team, listening to them and providing further advice and guidance where we could improve. We are incredibly proud to have been awarded AfPP Accreditation and will welcome a return visit when it’s time for renewal.” This feedback highlights an important truth:
Accreditation is not only about standards - it is about people. It gives teams confidence, celebrates their achievements, and strengthens the sense of shared responsibility for safety.
Why AfPP Accreditation matters Operating theatres are high-pressure environments where small lapses can have significant consequences. Accreditation matters because it provides an independent, structured, and supportive review that goes beyond internal audits or regulatory inspections. Key benefits include:
l Patient Safety Assurance - Ensuring alignment with NatSSIPs2, WHO guidelines, and AfPP Standards.
l Independent Validation - Providing external confirmation that processes are robust.
l Support for Staff - Offering constructive feedback and tools for improvement.
l Regulatory Readiness - Strengthening preparedness ahead of CQC inspections.
l Celebration of Excellence - Recognising and reinforcing good practice.
Alex emphasises: “Accreditation is not the end point. It is the beginning of a culture of
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continuous improvement. Circle Health Group has shown how powerful that commitment can be when applied across an entire organisation. Their achievement sets a benchmark for others in the independent sector and NHS.”
Beyond Accreditation: AfPP’s wider services While Accreditation is AfPP’s flagship assurance programme, the Association also offers a range of services to help hospitals strengthen perioperative governance and practice: 1. Whole Team Training – Bespoke training designed to support individual professional development, as well as broader perioperative education, helping teams work more effectively together and deliver safer, high-quality care.
2. Policy Reviews - Offsite reviews of hospital policies against AfPP Standards, with written reports and recommendations.
3. Staffing Reviews - Independent analysis of staffing levels, based on AfPP’s Staffing for Patients in the Perioperative Setting.
4. Perioperative Peer Reviews - Observational reviews, often requested after CQC inspections or incidents, providing constructive support.
5. Audit Visits - Bespoke support in applying the AfPP Audit Tool, with tailored action planning.
6. Reaccreditation Visits - One to two days, confirming standards are maintained and extending Accreditation for two years.
Each service reflects AfPP’s core mission: to advance safe, high-quality perioperative practice through evidence, collaboration, and professional leadership.
Looking ahead With Circle Health Group hospitals having now all completed the process, attention turns to their Reaccreditation and wider adoption. Hospitals across both the NHS and independent sector are recognising the value of AfPP Accreditation, not only as a pathway to compliance but as a driver of resilient, learning-oriented theatre teams. Every patient deserves to be cared for in a
theatre that is safe, effective, and professionally governed. AfPP Audit and Accreditation provides the structure, the independent assurance, and the culture of collaboration to make that possible. By accrediting all 49 of its hospitals with
operating theatres, Circle Health Group has embarked on a continuous journey to uphold the AfPP standards that earned them their recognition of clinical excellence in the independent sector. For AfPP, the achievement is proof of the transformative power of its
Accreditation model. For patients and staff alike, it is a clear signal that safety, consistency, and professionalism remain at the heart of perioperative care.
For more information on the services mentioned, contact: Sarah Grady -
sarah.grady@
afpp.org.uk, Alternatively, visit:
https://www.afpp.org.uk/commercial- services/theatre-audit-accreditation/
About AfPP
AfPP is the UK’s leading membership organisation dedicated to theatre practitioners and improving perioperative care. Established for over 60 years, AfPP plays a crucial role in promoting excellence in surgical practice by promoting education, networking, and innovation within the sector, providing members with access to a vast range of educational resources; online, national and regional events, and advice on legal and ethical frameworks that impact their profession. AfPP’s mission is to ensure that all patients
receive safe and effective surgery through the advancement of knowledge, standards, education, and research in all areas related to perioperative care. By working closely with healthcare
professionals such as educators, nurses, operating department practitioners (ODPs), surgeons, and anaesthetists, AfPP strives to provide the highest quality of patient care and safety possible during operative procedures. For more information visit:
www.afpp.org.uk/
About Circle
Health Group Circle Health Group is an award-winning healthcare provider operating Britain’s largest network of independent hospitals. Circle’s aim is to be the most innovative patient-focused healthcare organisation and, by equipping its people with leading-edge technology, deliver the highest quality patient care. It supports patients whether they fund their own treatment or are supported by private healthcare insurance, and the group also works in partnership with the NHS. Circle Health Group acquired BMI Healthcare in January 2020. The group operates independent hospitals, runs integrated care programmes and rehabilitation services.
www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk
CSJ
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