IHSCM Showcase: 'Identification & optimisation of the complex surgical patient' - Prof Jugdeep Dhesi

This session is part of the IHSCM & GSTT Showcase series and focuses on how GSTT redesigned and optimised their surgical waiting list processes to improve patient flow, reduce delays, and manage elective backlogs more effectively. It’s a practical improvement case study showing how a major NHS trust tackled one of the most complex operational challenges in the system: safely and efficiently managing surgical waiting lists at scale. ⭐ What the Session Covers Surgical backlog challenges — the scale of the elective recovery problem and why traditional waiting list systems were no longer fit for purpose. Identifying inefficiencies — variation between specialties, inconsistent data, manual processes, and bottlenecks in pre‑op and scheduling. Digital and operational optimisation — how GSTT used pathway mapping, validation, dashboards, and standardisation to streamline the process. Impact on patients — improved prioritisation, reduced delays, better theatre utilisation, and clearer communication. Lessons for other trusts — what other organisations can adopt, from data quality improvements to multidisciplinary collaboration. ⭐ Why This Session Matters This Showcase is especially useful for leaders and teams working in: elective recovery surgical services operational management digital transformation pathway redesign ICS‑level improvement It provides a real, replicable example of how a large NHS trust modernised its waiting list management to deliver safer, faster, more reliable care.