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 Nigel Roberts, Deputy Assistant Divisional Director of Nursing for Theatres, Critical Care and Anaesthetics, the programme features expert speakers, interactive case studies and panel discussions designed to inspire collaboration and innovation.
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
Opening Remarks from the Chair
09:45
Keynote Session: Reducing Elective Theatres Waiting Times
- What improvements are being made to work towards the 18-week waiting time target.
10:40
Main Stage Slot
11:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
11:30
Seminar Session
A: Bender
B: Surgical Holdings
12:00
Panel Discussion: What Does the Operating Theatre of 2026 Look Like?
- We will give delegates the opportunity to take part in a interactive Q&A session with our speakers.
12:30
Burnout and Behaviour: The Hidden Threat in Safer Surgery
13:00
Lunch, Exhibition and Networking
14:00
Updates in Orthopaedic Surgery
- What are the changes and improvements to 3D planning in a surgery environment?
14:30
Afternoon Keynote
- What advances has the programme made to date?
- How is the GIRFT programme improving outcomes and impacting waiting times.
15:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
15:30
Case Study on Patient Safety: Retained Swabs from Invasive procedures
- Presentation from a recent study.
- Improving patient safety
- Improving outcomes.
16:00
How to Fix Behaviours and Get Awesome Perioperative Car
16:30
Closing Remarks from the Chair
16:40
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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