The Association for Perioperative Practice has accredited all 49 hospitals with operating theatres within Circle Health Group.
The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) has accredited all 49 hospitals with operating theatres within Circle Health Group and more than 155 operating theatres under AfPP’s Theatre Accreditation and Audit programme.
This makes Circle the first provider in the independent sector to achieve AfPP accreditation across all its theatres.
“AfPP Theatre Accreditation is about far more than compliance. It provides reassurance for patients, confidence for staff, and a culture of continuous improvement. Circle Health Group’s achievement sets a powerful benchmark for others in the independent sector and beyond,” said AfPP chief executive officer Alex Duke.
Circle Health started in 2020 and concluded this year with the accreditation of The Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton.
A structured process
AfPP Theatre Accreditation is a structured process that evaluates a hospital’s perioperative services against evidence-based standards. Built on the AfPP Standards & Recommendations for Safe Perioperative Practice (2022), Accreditation ensures services are aligned with recognised national frameworks.
The process is not an inspection, but a supportive review that helps theatre teams reflect on practice, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement. Accreditation is valid for two years, with reaccreditation visits ensuring standards are continuously upheld.
Beyond accreditation, AfPP also provides policy reviews, staffing reviews, perioperative peer reviews, and bespoke audit visits – all designed to help hospitals maintain safe, effective, and resilient perioperative services.
The AfPP is a membership organisation that promotes excellence in surgical practice by promoting education, networking and innovation within the sector. By working with healthcare professionals, AfPP’s aim is to provide patient care and safety during operative procedures.
