Vanguard can help tackle the lack of access to operating theatres, identified by the RCS

Several recommendations have been made by the RCS, with focus on increasing productivity to reduce waiting lists, ensuring a sustainable surgical workforce, and alleviating the pressures on staff.

Increasing theatre capacity

There is an urgent need for theatre capacity to be increased by ensuring existing theatre spaces are used to their maximum capacity. When theatres require scheduled or urgent refurbishment, Vanguard can provide alternative capacity, with a mobile facility up and running within weeks or a modular theatre complex within months.

The RCS highlights the need to increase the number of surgical hubs and for ring-fencing of beds for elective surgery. As well as providing the means with which to reduce waiting lists, a surgical hub is also a great environment for training.

Read our case study about how Vanguard worked with South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust to install a mobile theatre, creating a surgical hub and reducing waiting times locally and for patients of nearby Trusts. For an example of how effective a modular build surgical hub can be, read about Vanguard's four-theatre complex at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, which includes high specification operating theatres, a recovery ward, consulting rooms, staff facilities and utility areas.

Ensuring a sustainable surgical workforce and alleviating the pressures on staff

Overworked surgical teams face burnout, affecting both their well-being and the quality of patient care. The census highlights the need for solutions that alleviate the pressure on existing surgical staff, promoting a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

Vanguard Healthcare Solutions helps address these issues by providing facilities with working environments and rest areas surgical teams deserve. Adding a bespoke modular build to a mobile theatre allows a Trust's unique needs to be met within a short time frame. By working with Vanguard to provide an environment conducive to training, Trusts improve their productivity and attract staff, as well as helping to provide a solution to nationwide problems.