The Regional Day Procedure Centre at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn has become the first day procedure centre in Ireland to receive accreditation from the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, a UK-wide NHS initiative.

The centre, which opened in October 2020, has performed almost 26,000 day case procedures for patients across Northern Ireland. It provides care in gynaecology, urology, general surgery, vascular, and plastics.

GIRFT accreditation recognises the centre's commitment to high-quality, efficient day surgery and its role in improving elective surgical services and reducing waiting lists.

The centre was the first dedicated facility in Northern Ireland established specifically for regional routine day surgical procedures. It provides operating capacity for patients from the Belfast, South Eastern, and Southern Trusts.

Following a pilot phase, the centre was fully commissioned in April 2023.

South Eastern Trust Chief Executive Roisin Coulter said the achievement reflects regional collaboration and a focus on efficient, high-quality care. She noted that the centre brings together staff and resources across trust boundaries to provide additional capacity for elective procedures.

The accreditation process involved submitting evidence to GIRFT in July, followed by a review at the centre. The review focused on patient pathway, staff and training, clinical governance and outcomes, utilisation and productivity, and facilities and ringfencing.

South Eastern Trust Director of Surgery, Elective Care, Paediatrics and Maternity Services Brian McFetridge said the recognition reflects a team approach to developing the service to meet high standards of clinical and operational practice.