New charter to improve patients' health before and after surgery

The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) has published a new charter to improve the journey for patients undergoing surgery.

The Patient 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.

Perioperative care covers the entire patient journey from the first conversation about an operation to full recovery. CPOC’s new charter aims to help patients and their families or carers to understand the support available from healthcare teams and the shared steps and decisions they can take to look after their own health and wellbeing. 

Putting patients at the centre of decision-making

• The guide highlights that patients are equal partners in decisions about their treatment. Healthcare professionals will explain diagnoses, treatment options, and the risks and benefits of each approach in clear, accessible language.
• Patients are encouraged to share their priorities and ask questions to support shared decision making‑.

Care tailored to individual needs

• Patients will undergo health checks that inform a personalised care plan.
• Teams will also offer targeted support to help individuals improve their health before surgery, including advice on diet, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and management of existing medical conditions. For more information, view CPOC’s Top 7 Preoperative Optimisation Lifestyle changes that can change people's experience of surgical recovery.

Focus on safety and quality

• CPOC emphasises that all perioperative care will align with national standards.
• Regular checks will ensure that care is delivered safely, effectively and consistently across services.

Clear, compassionate communication

• Communication should be rooted in dignity and respect an patients will receive timely and honest information and are welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer to appointments.
• Healthcare teams will also provide clear details on who to contact with questions or concerns.

Supporting recovery at every stage

• Teams will provide support with pain management, nutrition and getting mobile after an operation. Before going home, patients will receive a written recovery plan and contact details for ongoing support.

Director of the Centre for Perioperative Care Professor Denny Levett said: “I’m delighted to launch our Patient Charter to build on our existing strong foundations in improving patient outcomes across the NHS. 

“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, local practice, and can be used alongside other CPOC resources to support service improvement and quality assurance.

“I look forward to working with our partners to implement and develop this important work in perioperative care.”

Michelle Deans CPOC Patient Lead, said: “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.”