On Thursday 22 May, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) was delighted to host the Elective Programme team for the North East and North Cumbria at our Elective Surgical Hub at Bishop Auckland Hospital.
The visit marked a key moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and implement national recommendations, following our recent Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Accreditation review.
Led by Gemma Handley, Deputy Associate Director of Operations, and Kelvin Reed, Operational Manager for Trauma and Orthopaedics, the Elective Programme team toured the site to see first-hand how our services are evolving to meet rising demand while delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
The tour showcased a range of innovations and collaborative approaches across our surgical services.
In ophthalmology, the team observed a fully booked service efficiently utilising space to maximise patient throughput.
Meanwhile, in orthopaedics, our integrated approach bringing together pharmacy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy was in action, supporting same-day discharges and significantly reducing the need for overnight stays.
Elsewhere in the hub, the Community Dental team was delivering care for children and young people, with play therapists on hand to provide comfort and reassurance, particularly valuable for those undergoing treatment under general anaesthetic.
At the time of the visit, we were proud to report progress ahead of plan in reducing long waits for children and young people - a clear reflection of the dedication and focus of our staff.
The visit also reaffirmed our broader ambition: to continue maximising the potential of Bishop Auckland Hospital as a key elective hub, easing pressure on the wider healthcare system and ensuring timely, effective care for our patients.
We’re now acting on a small number of final GIRFT recommendations ahead of a follow-up visit later this year.
A sincere thank you goes to all #TeamCDDFT colleagues who made the visit a success, and to every member of the Bishop Auckland team for your commitment to surgical excellence and innovation.
