The South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC), based at the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter, has been shortlisted for a HSJ Patient Safety Award 2022.

The NHS Nightingale Exeter originally opened as a COVID-19 hospital to support the country’s response to the first wave of the pandemic by providing acute support to eight Trusts across the South West between November 2020 and March 2021. After being decommissioned as a COVID hospital, the Nightingale was purchased by organisations across the South West and, in May 2021, it was announced that the Nightingale site would receive a share of national funding to help reduce the region’s waiting lists.

The Nightingale has since been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility and is now home to a range of orthopaedic, ophthalmology, diagnostic, and rheumatology services.

SWAOC, which has two operating theatres for day case and short stay elective orthopaedic procedures, opened at the Nightingale site in March 2022. Since then, over 220 patients have been through its doors for hip and knee replacements.

Dr Mary Stocker, a consultant anaesthetist at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and Joint Clinical Lead for SWAOC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for a Patient Safety Award. The team at SWAOC have developed a revolutionary centre for elective orthopaedic surgery and are making such a difference to the lives of local people.”

“We’re now able to offer same-day care to the majority of our patients – this means they’re admitted, have their surgery, and are well enough to go home on the same day without being admitted overnight. In fact, in the three months of operation, we’ve treated over 200 patients. All of these were discharged by the day after their surgery and 60% leave on the same day, making SWAOC the best of its kind for day-case rates in the UK.

“Most importantly, these patients have all received surgery that has the potential to transform their lives, and have given us exceptional feedback regarding their experience at SWAOC.”

John Finn, Director of In Hospital Commissioning for NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group said, “NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter is a fantastic resource, which is helping to address the waiting lists that have built up as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning people are able to be treated more quickly. We are delighted that the great work being done at NHS Nightingale Exeter is being recognised through this award shortlist.”

The HSJ Patient Safety Awards help to drive improvements in culture and quality across the NHS. They recognise and reward the hard-working teams and individuals who strive to deliver improved patient care.