Sulis Hospital Recognised in GIRFT Annual Review - Supporting National Rollout to the Independent Sector
Sulis Hospital has been formally reviewed as part of the annual review process for the prestigious Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation, led by NHS England and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
The hospital continues to hold its unique position as the only independent hospital in the UK with this nationally recognised status.
Following the review, GIRFT has invited Sulis Hospital to collaborate on the development of a new accreditation framework that will support a wider rollout of the GIRFT model across the independent healthcare sector. The opportunity reflects Sulis Hospital's consistently high standards in clinical performance, operational efficiency and patient care.
"We are proud to maintain our status as the only independent hospital accredited under the GIRFT Elective Surgical Hub programme," said Simon Milner, Hospital Director at Sulis Hospital. "To be asked to help shape the future of the accreditation process for the wider sector is a reflection of the trust placed in our people and our model of care."
The GIRFT programme, delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is a key component of NHS England's strategy to improve outcomes and reduce variation in elective surgical care. Sulis Hospital's contribution will help ensure that independent hospitals applying for hub status meet consistent national standards.
Sulis Hospital provides both NHS and private care and has become a leading example of effective collaboration between the independent sector and the NHS.
As part of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Sulis Hospital operates under a unique ownership model that blends independent healthcare delivery with public values. Surplus funds generated by the hospital are reinvested back into the NHS, helping to enhance local services, expand capacity, and reduce waiting times for patients.
“Sulis Hospital is built on the principle of purpose-driven care,” Simon Milner added. “Not only do we deliver high-quality care in a modern, patient-first environment, but our financial model ensures we give back directly to the NHS. This is independent healthcare with a public purpose — and it’s making a real difference.”
In addition to the GIRFT recognition, Sulis Hospital also holds:
• A Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of Outstanding for Caring and Good overall
• Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for endoscopy
• Compliance with the National Joint Registry (NJR) for best practice in orthopaedic surgery
This latest acknowledgement from NHS England underscores Sulis Hospital’s leadership in elective care, as well as its role in shaping the future of independent sector collaboration.
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