The Operating Theatres Expo 2026 - Day 1 and 2 with Gala Dinner
This two-day event ticket includes a Network Gala Dinner. This event will bring 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
Course Dates Coming Soon
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 is the benefit of one day elective procedures.
- How to equip a department to enable one day procedures
- What does a multiple surgery day look like?
10:40
Main Stage Slot
11:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
11:30
Case Study: Planning and Preparing for Major Trauma.
- What can medical simulations teach us about planning for major trauma?
12:00
Panel Discussion: Infection Control in Surgery
- Discuss best practice within infection control.
- What do we do if things go wrong?
- Open floor to questions from delegates.
12:30
Mental Health of Operating Theatre Staff
- What steps can we take to support the mental health and well being of everyone working in the theatre environment.
- How to support theatre staff following traumatic events.
- The importance of servility; what a simple eye roll can do.
13:00
Lunch, Exhibition and Networking
14:00
Main Stage Slot
14:30
Afternoon Keynote: The Effectiveness of Robotics Across Different Surgery Specialties
- What specialties can benefit from the use of robotics in a surgical environment?
15:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
15:30
Improving Patient Outcomes
- What are the leading factors that can effect a patients outcome?
- How does each step in the patients journey effect their outcome?
16:00
NHS Bed Block
- What are the effects of wasted time on the available beds across surgical departments?
16:30
Closing Remarks from the Chair
16:40
Close of the Conference
18:30
Conference Dinner
Welcome drinks, networking, guests are shown to their tables.
Starters and main course served.
Mid-dinner address.
Desert served.
After dinner speech followed by networking and entertainment.
23:00
Dinner Close
Agenda - Day 2
08:30
Registration, Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
09:30
Opening Remarks from the Chair
09:45
Keynote Session: Duel Operating Theatres
- What is a duel operating theatre department
- What will the impact to staff training and development be?
10:40
Main Stage Slot
11:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
11:30
Case Study: Green Surgery
- What is the future of Green Surgery?
- What impact will it have to the day to day running for the theatre environment?
12:00
Walk Through Sessions and Their Impact on Outcomes.
- What are the benefits of offering patients the opportunity to “walk through” their surgery prior to them entering the theatre?
12:30
Heat and Its Effect on Planned Procedures
- As temperatures rise, are we equipped to deal with changing temperatures?
- What impact does the changing temperatures have on a surgical schedule?
13:00
Lunch, Exhibition and Networking
14:00
Main Stage Slot
14:30
Afternoon Keynote: Safeguarding
- What are we doing to keep our staff and patients safe in a surgical department?
15:00
Refreshments, Exhibition and Networking
15:30
Sepsis
- What is the danger of sepsis to a patient’s outcome following surgery?
16:00
Career Development
- The journey from ODP to Doctor.
16:30
Closing Remarks from the Chair