Delivering major breast surgery safely (excluding reconstruction) as a day case or one night stay (England)

Working in partnership with NHS Cancer Networks and Acute Trusts across England, the NHS Improvement - Cancer Team tested the hypothesis that the streamlining of the breast surgical pathway could could halve unnecessary lengths of stay, by managing the patients’ expectations and changing clinical practice by making the system as efficient as it can with no loss of quality for the patient.

They report that good progress has been made in the 13 national pilot units and that:

• The hypothesis is proven
• Clinical engagement is strong
• Positive patient feedback
• Quality is not compromised

Case studies from the thirteen clinical spread networks are available. For these and more information about the project, go to: http://www.nhsiq.nhs.uk/8237.aspx