Tackling the elective backlog: A spotlight report on the implementation and impact of surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres (6 November 2023)

Summary

Elective recovery plans in part rely on the strengths of Surgical Hubs (SH) and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) to provide additional support. This report by the Medical Technology Group (MTG) considers how well these new tools are working for the NHS. It raises questions about how SHs and CDCs have been established and the decision making processes within these services.

Content

Recommendations

1. The Government and NHS England should commit to a comprehensive review into the performance, success and cost-effectiveness of surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres.
2. The Government and NHS England should mandate the proper inclusion and involvement of patients in the future establishment of surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres to ensure they are shaped consistently to meet the needs of the local populations they are serving.
3. The Government and NHS England should ensure that appropriate medical technologies are at the heart of the efforts to tackle the backlog.
4. The Government and NHS England should develop formal platforms and forums for the sharing of best practice between Integrated Care Systems.