A Glimpse into the Future of Elective Surgery: Visiting the Friarage Surgical Hub

On Monday 12th May, the Provider Collaborative had the pleasure of visiting the brand-new elective surgical hub at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, part of University Hospital Tees.

The visit marked a celebration of the hub’s recent GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) Accreditation success and offered a sneak peek at the state-of-the-art facility set to open its doors in June.

A Vision for Better Patient Care

The purpose of the visit was to explore how the Trust is embedding excellence into every aspect of the new build—from the layout and patient flow to the integration of best practices already in place. The team was guided through the hub by Sam Peate, Chief Operating Officer, and Sarah Baker, Head of Clinical Services, who shared insights into the design and operational thinking behind the project.

Investing in Innovation

Thanks to funding from the NHS Targeted Investment Fund (TIF), the Trust has been able to bring this ambitious project to life. The new surgical hub is expected to significantly boost productivity and efficiency, enabling more patients to receive timely surgical care and helping to reduce waiting lists across the region.

Designed by Experience, Built for the Future

What makes this development particularly exciting is the hands-on involvement of frontline staff in shaping the hub’s design. Their years of experience have informed a layout that prioritises both patient comfort and staff efficiency. With new theatres and treatment rooms nearly ready, anticipation is building for the first surgeries scheduled from 12th June.

High Performance, High Hopes

Even before the new hub opens, the existing facility is already outperforming national benchmarks, with a recent theatre utilisation rate of 90.5%—well above the 85% target. The team is eager to carry this momentum into the new space, where they expect to achieve even greater outcomes.

Sharing Success Across the System

The Friarage hub is part of a broader strategy to enhance elective care across the region. Lessons learned here will inform improvements at other sites, including the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Innovations like the “Empty Recovery Model” are already helping staff work more effectively and deliver better care.

Looking Ahead

The visit left a lasting impression. There’s a palpable sense of pride and excitement among staff, who are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for patients across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. As the Elective Programme continues to evolve, the Friarage hub stands as a shining example of what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and investment come together.

Back to Email