Trust hit list targets young people
Northwick Park Hospital has been using ‘high intensity theatre’ lists (HIT) to help reduce the backlog of young people waiting for surgical procedures.
The issue dates back to the pandemic when all but the most urgent surgery was frozen for several months.
HIT days at the weekend and during school holidays allow surgical teams to operate on up to 16 patients a day.
The procedures include dental extractions, tonsillectomies and the removal of adenoids with patients being allowed home later the same day.
Philomena Bouzemada, Head of Nursing for Children, said: “There is less demand for paediatric beds in the summer, young people aren’t in school and parents have more flexibility which is a win-win for both families and the hospital.
"We’ve had really good feedback by fitting in with what best suits the families involved.”