How can the NHS deliver more surgeries, faster and more efficiently, while supporting its workforce and meeting ambitious sustainability targets? 

Patient backlogs remain one of the most significant challenges facing the NHS. Despite increased activity across the system, waiting lists in England remain high, with millions still awaiting elective treatment. Improving operating theatre productivity, reducing cancellations, and maximising surgical capacity are therefore critical priorities for NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems. However, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Financial pressures across the health service risk limiting the expansion of surgical activity, with warnings that budget constraints could lead to reduced theatre sessions and postponed procedures despite continued patient demand. 

At the same time, workforce pressures continue to impact theatre teams, with recruitment challenges, staff fatigue, and retention concerns affecting services nationwide. As the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan progresses, leaders must focus on building resilient teams while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care. Alongside this, innovation is transforming surgical services, with digital scheduling tools, robotics, and minimally invasive techniques helping hospitals improve efficiency and outcomes. With operating theatres also among the most resource-intensive areas of healthcare, organisations must also explore ways to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon emissions as the NHS works toward its Net Zero ambitions.  

The Institute of Government & Public Policy’s Operating Theatres Show is a must-attend event for surgeons, senior theatre practitioners, operational leaders, and healthcare innovators from across NHS Trusts, Foundation Trusts, and Integrated Care Systems. The event brings together frontline expertise and strategic leadership to share best practice, showcase innovation, and address the key challenges shaping operating theatres today. Attendee feedback from last year’s London Show includes: 

“It was my first time attending, and I was impressed with the setup and topics discussed” 

“Speakers delivered with quality and clarity” 

“It was a fantastic and educational day, I will definitely reflect on my practice after the conference” 

“Sessions were insightful, well-presented, interesting and thought-provoking” 

Following the continued success of previous programmes, the National Operating Theatres Show 2027 will once again bring the sector together to explore practical solutions for improving theatre performance and patient outcomes. The programme will examine strategies to tackle surgical backlogs, strengthen workforce resilience, harness emerging technologies, and support the NHS’s journey toward a greener future. 

Join colleagues from across the healthcare system to exchange ideas, hear from leading experts, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of operating theatres in the NHS.