CPOC Publishes Perioperative Care Patient Charter
The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) has published a new Perioperative Care Patient Charter, setting out what patients can expect from good quality perioperative care, from the point surgery is first discussed through to recovery.
The Charter describes the principles that should underpin perioperative care across the NHS, including shared decision making, personalised care, clear communication, safety and support to prepare for surgery and recover well. It also outlines the role patients play in their own care, recognising the importance of partnership between patients and healthcare teams.
Developed to support more consistent, patient centred care, the Charter provides a clear and accessible reference for patients, clinicians and organisations. It is intended to support conversations about treatment choices, preparation for surgery and recovery and to encourage care that is planned around what matters most to patients.
The Charter reflects CPOC’s wider mission to improve perioperative care by promoting joined up pathways and a coordinated approach across services. It complements existing national guidance and local practice and can be used alongside other CPOC resources to support service improvement and quality assurance.
By setting out clear expectations, the Perioperative Care Patient Charter aims to help ensure that patients experience care that is safe, respectful and personalised, while supporting healthcare teams to deliver high quality perioperative services.
CPOC encourages patients to play an active role in their care. This includes asking questions, following preparation advice, and showing respect to all members of the healthcare team. CPOC believes everyone should receive safe, kind, and well-planned care that treats each patient as an equal partner on their surgical journey. We anticipate that this new Patient Charter is a useful tool for both patients and staff to facilitate a joined-up approach to surgical care. The Patient Charter outlines what patients should expect from their healthcare team, from shared decision making to supported recovery, and how they can participate in getting the best results from their operation.