Over 3,000 patients ave benefited from the facility

A new, multimillion-pound surgical hub at Maidstone Hospital has been accredited as an elective surgical hub for delivering high standards in clinical and operational practice.

The Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre opened at Maidstone Hospital, part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, in September 2024. It has three state-of-the-art operating theatres and 24 beds (a 14-bed inpatient ward and a 10-bed day case ward), expanding capacity across Kent and Medway for routine orthopaedic operations.

Since opening, the centre has helped nearly 3,000 patients needing planned surgery on bones, joints and muscles.

The accreditation scheme, run by NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, assesses hubs against a framework of standards to help them deliver faster access to some of the most common surgical procedures.

Surgical hubs focus on non-emergency surgery and bring together the skills and expertise of staff under one roof, with protected facilities and theatres, helping to deliver shorter waits for surgery.

Because they are separated from emergency services, surgical beds are kept free for patients waiting for planned operations, reducing the chance of short-notice cancellations.

Professor Tim Briggs, Chair of GIRFT and NHS England’s National Director for Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery, said: “We have been impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the hub teams who are delivering outstanding care.

“All of the sites we accredited are focused on delivering safe and high-quality care, and an excellent patient experience. GIRFT’s focus is on developing surgical hubs with the aim of improving patient flow so patients have shorter waits for surgery and, for some procedures, will be more likely to be able to go home on the same day.”

The Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre was assessed by the GIRFT team in July, after being open just 10 months.

Describing the centre as “an impressive facility, served by an impressive team” the accreditation confirms the centre is working to high clinical and operational standards.

Miles Scott, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “The Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre has expanded our surgical capacity, helping us do more for patients across Kent and Medway. This new facility is making a huge difference for patients, helping them access expert care and life-changing operations more quickly.”

Mr Lee David, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinical Director for Trauma and Orthopaedics added: “We are incredibly proud of the team for this achievement. It is their drive for excellence and improvement which has enabled us to receive GIRFT accreditation so quickly. To gain this recognition in less than a year is truly impressive and shows our focus on delivering the best outcomes for every patient, in the most efficient and safe way.”

Source and picture credit: Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS TRust