The hospital’s program to enhance operating theatre productivity has effectively addressed long waiting times resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic while enhancing patient and staff experiences. Through various initiatives, such as optimising processes, scheduling operations more efficiently, and refurbishing theatre areas, they have improved operational flow. Specialty-specific operating lists on alternate Saturdays at Charing Cross Hospital have enabled systematic treatment of patients who have waited the longest.
The hospital has seen significant progress in theatre productivity, consistently utilizing 95% of theatre sessions weekly, with over 85% of each session dedicated to active patient treatment, ranking among the top ten NHS trusts nationally. Performance is particularly strong at the Western Eye Hospital, where the addition of a third theatre has facilitated treatment for an additional 1,960 patients annually. Long waits have been eliminated for patients waiting over two years, with plans to address waits over 78 weeks in the near future. Efforts are also focused on minimising waiting times for patients with urgent treatment needs, ensuring that the majority of patients with high clinical prioritisation, such as those with cancer, are treated within four weeks.