The Operating Theatres Conference 2026
Join us for the 11th Annual Operating Theatres Conference, an event bringing together surgical professionals from across the UK to explore the latest innovations, strategies and best practices in operating theatre management. This year’s conference will cover critical topics such as achieving NHS Net Zero, human factors in theatre performance, high-intensity theatre (HIT) lists, 3D surgical planning, infection control, patient outcomes and staff wellbeing, providing practical insights to improve efficiency and improve patient care.
Chaired by Dr. Nigel Roberts, Associate Divisional Director at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for Theatres, ICU, Pain, Oral Surgery and Elective Bookings.
At a glance
Learning Outcomes
- Opportunity to hear from those leading the way to achieve NHS Net Zero
- Examine human factors in operating theatre performance
- Explore the impact of high intensity theatre (HIT) Lists on surgical efficiency
- Discover the role of 3D Surgical Planning in complex procedures
- Understand the Importance of pressure care in the Operating Theatre
- How collaborative working can support in overcoming challenges and improve patient outcomes
- Understand the unique challenges of major Incident Response in the Operating Theatre
Agenda - Day 1
08:30
Registration, Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
09:30
Welcome Remarks
09:35
Opening Remarks from the Chair
09:40
Keynote Session: Reducing Elective Theatres Waiting Times
- What improvements are being made to work towards the 18-week waiting time target?
10:10
Digital Health Transformation: From Insight to Impact – Why Data Matters in Healthcare
10:40
How to Fix Behaviours and Get Awesome Perioperative Care
- Understanding why change is needed: recognising how bad behaviours impact patients and staff.
- Developing skills in how to change effectively.
- Using resources from CPOC to address bad behaviours and promote good teamwork.
- Being an ally: challenging disrespect, supporting others and communicating clearly.
- Acknowledging and valuing different perspectives, backgrounds and thinking styles.
11:10
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
11:40
Seminar Session
Session A - Back to Basics: Surgical Instruments
A basic introduction into the world of surgical instruments. Have you ever wondered why surgical instruments tarnish so frequently? What are the most common instruments or their features? This session is designed to answer these questions and provide important insight.
12:10
Panel Discussion: What Does the Future of Operating Theatres Look Like?
- This discussion explores digital transformation and innovation in technology, efficiency and staff wellbeing, focusing on how operating theatres can be improved for the future and how these changes might be implemented. The discussion will conclude with a Q&A segment, giving delegates the opportunity to engage and share their perspectives.
12:45
Cell Salvation: How Close Are We?
- Cell Salvage is an established theatre practice that reduces red blood cell loss, transfusion need, post-operative anaemia and aids fluid management. It should be available where beneficial and delivered safely.
- Safety, time efficiency, cost effectiveness and a trained workforce are key constraints.
- This talk will cover the evidence for cell salvage, current UK usage, the need for comprehensive data, and how delivery could be optimised within these four constraints.
13:15
Lunch, Exhibition and Networking
14:15
Updates in Orthopaedic Surgery
- Digital and technologically assisted techniques are rapidly becoming part of routine practice.
- Advances in 3D planning and simulation allow surgeons to rehearse complex cases with patient-specific models, improving accuracy and confidence.
- Robotic surgery in hip and knee arthroplasty offers enhanced precision in alignment, bone preparation, and implant positioning.
- Innovations such as augmented reality for intraoperative guidance and advanced implant materials are reshaping workflows and expectations for outcomes.
- Together, these technologies are driving a shift toward more personalised, data-driven orthopaedic care.
14:45
Afternoon Keynote
15:15
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
15:45
Case Study: Patient Safety – Retained Swabs from Invasive Procedures
The number of retained swab incidents has remained relatively constant over the last 10 years. So why has there been no change?
Between 2022 and 2024, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch conducted an investigation into retained swabs following invasive procedures. This presentation discusses some of the findings, including:
- Factors that influence how and why swabs (and other items) may be unintentionally retained
- The consideration of risk
- Innovations that could reduce the risk of retained items
16:15
Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control in Perioperative Practice: Standards, Teamwork, and Safe Clinical Behaviours
- Explore essential principles of infection prevention and control in the perioperative environment, based on AfPP evidence-based standards.
- Highlight the role of observational audit in monitoring practice, supporting compliance, and driving continuous improvement in patient safety.
- Examine core strategies to prevent Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), including environmental cleanliness, effective decontamination, and safe working practices.
- Emphasise the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) and recognise shared team responsibilities.
- Overview of best practice in hand hygiene, surgical hand antisepsis, and maintaining asepsis throughout the surgical pathway.
16:45
Closing Remarks from the Chair
17:00
Close of the Conference
Who Should Attend?
Operating Theatre Technicians, Surgeons, Operating Theatre Practitioners, Anaesthetists, Theatre Team Leaders, Theatre Managers, Theatre Directors, Surgical Care Practitioners, Surgical Assistants, First Assistant to the Surgeons, Healthcare Assistants, Theatre Support Workers, Assistant Practitioners, Hospital Operating Theatre Porters, Healthcare Assistants, Commissioning Heads, Heads of NHS, Directors of Public Health, Heads of Public Engagement, Directors of Commissioning, Heads of National/Regional Public Health Groups, Heads of Treatment and Prevention , Directors of Strategic Development.
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