The Award was given by the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), the body that looks to improve patient care in perioperative practice by recognising, celebrating and sharing guidance.
Founded in 1964, AfPP assesses hospitals across five key specialist topics: Determining and promoting best practice; Facilitating education and practice development; Providing a forum for partnership with industry; Shaping healthcare policy; and providing professional support services
AfPP also works on best practice initiatives in the NHS and encourages a culture of reflection and exchange between operating theatre teams across the country.
Achieving the converted accreditation can take months to secure. A rigorous two-day independent audit was carried out by external regulators of the theatres. The audit covered three sections of the audit tool as a benchmark to identify and assess best practice, and auditors made recommendations where required. Werndale Hospital passed each section of the audit.
Commenting on the accreditation, Jacky Jones, Executive Director at Werndale Hospital, part of the Circle Health Group said: “We are delighted to have been awarded AfPP accreditation after months of hard work by our theatre team. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do here at Werndale Hospital and gaining the AfPP accreditation within our theatre department really demonstrates this.”
Gaynor Llewellyn, Director of Clinical Services at Werndale Hospital, said: “It is wonderful to have our commitment to patient safety recognised by the AfPP accreditation team. The team at Werndale Hospital have been working tirelessly to ensure they meet the requirements to obtain this award. They are all passionate about the patients and the community they serve.”
