Delegates come together to explore elective recovery post pandemic
Posted: 23rd July 2021
Over 70 delegates attended a webinar to discuss and explore options to address the growing problem of patients on waiting lists now that pandemic response activities are starting to slow down.
In partnership with NHS England’s Yorkshire and North East team, the event provided an overview of the programmes of work seeking to address the backlog.
Kathy Scott, Deputy Director of Operations and Deputy CEO at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN chaired the event and provided an overview of the role of the AHSN.
Professor Tim Briggs, National Director of Clinical Improvement for the NHS and Chair of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme and Graham Lomax, GIRFT Deputy National Delivery Director discussed GIRFT’s High Volume Low Complexity programme which aims to aid recovery of elective services by standardising pathways and support the adoption of best practice. To date, the programme has focused on specialities such as Trauma and Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and Ear, Nose and Throat services.
One key topic discussed was addressing health inequalities and making sure this is a priority in the post pandemic recovery. In her presentation, Dr Liz Lingard, Transformation Lead (North East & Yorkshire) for NHS England and Improvement made the point that ‘it’s about ensuring that we don’t just ‘build back better’ but ‘build back fairer’ so everyone has equal opportunities.’
At the end of each presentation delegates were given the opportunity to ask questions.
Kathy Scott said: “It was great to host such an interesting event, with fantastic speakers. These areas are so important and this could be seen in the level of discussion and the connections generated throughout the sessions. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future.”