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The impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) on patients can be devastating, and their costs to the NHS are significant. We know that more can be done to reduce the risk of SSIs in the UK. Our new report, Time to Act: A State of the Nation report on Surgical Site Infections in the UK, provides the fullest possible picture of SSI rates in the UK, and their impact on patients, clinicians and the NHS. The report also makes a range of recommendations to actors across the health system, including policymakers, hospital trusts, Royal Colleges, as well as patients and patient organisations, outlining how we can all play our part in reducing the risk of SSIs across the UK. 

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To mark the launch of ‘Time to Act’, in conjunction with the Association of Perioperative Practice, we have hosted a digital roundtable discussion on the report, bringing together leading clinical voices, patient groups, and other high-level stakeholders from across the health and care landscape. The webinar provides a forum for leading clinical voices and other experts to discuss their professional priorities for SSI prevention, generate insights on the challenges they face and create consensus on how we can all act to reduce the risk of infections after surgery. In addition to discussions around the findings of the report the webinar will consider:

  • The impact of SSIs on the NHS and the promise of programmes such as Quality Improvement for Surgical Teams in meeting this challenge – led by Mike Reed, Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

  • The role of collaborative best practice guidelines in reducing surgical site infections post-COVID – led by Lindsay Keeley, Patient safety & Quality Lead, The Association of Perioperative Practice (AfPP)

  • Lessons from Getting it Right First Time and the value of a collaborative approach to SSI reduction – Anna Thompson, SSI Surveillance Lead, Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust

  • Group discussion on what more we can do to minimise the risk of SSIs, and how we can ensure that SSI reduction is prioritised by politicians and policymakers