South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre

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About us

Based at Epsom Hospital, the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC) is a partnership between four local NHS trusts: Epsom and St Helier, St George’s, Croydon, and Kingston Hospitals. Established in 2004 to tackle long waiting times, SWLEOC operates independently while remaining fully accountable to its partner trusts.

Today, we are the largest hip and knee replacement centre in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, performing around 6,300 procedures each year, including 3,200 joint replacements. Our expert team of over 50 consultant surgeons and dedicated staff provide world-class, patient-centred care, using the latest techniques and technologies to ensure fast, safe recovery and the best outcomes.

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SWLEOC was rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commissions (CQC) when they inspected our hospital in November 2015.

Markers of our success

98%
of our patients said they would recommend us to their friends & family
0.9%
Infection Rate Hip replacement
0.8%
Infection Rate Knee replacement
110%
of our usual capacity to provide more surgeries to aid recovery after COVID

Topic of the Month: Understanding Waiting Times and What to Expect

Waiting for surgery can feel stressful, and it’s normal to have questions about when your procedure will take place and what happens along the way. At SWLEOC, we aim to make the process as clear and smooth as possible.

This month, we’re focusing on waiting times and what to expect while you are on the waiting list. From how surgery dates are confirmed, to standby options and pre-operative preparation, this guide explains everything you need to know before your procedure.

[Read more about waiting times and what to expect →]

How long will I wait for surgery?
Waiting times can vary depending on your consultant and the type of surgery you need. Wherever possible, we aim to treat patients within the NHS 18-week referral-to-treatment pathway.
To help reduce waiting times, you may be offered the option to transfer your care to another consultant who has earlier availability.
SWLEOC works with over 54 surgeons, each with different operating schedules and frequency of lists, which can affect how long individual patients wait for surgery.
If your condition becomes more urgent, your consultant can request that your surgery is prioritised following a clinical review.
 
How and when will my surgery date be confirmed?
Once you have been cleared by the pre-operative assessment team and are medically fit for surgery, our scheduling team will contact you to offer a surgery date. The surgery date offered is based on your surgeon’s availability in line with your position on the waiting list.
Surgery dates are usually offered at least six weeks in advance, although earlier dates may occasionally be available if there are cancellations.
Most patients are offered two possible surgery dates, each with at least 21 days’ notice. If you are unable to accept multiple dates offered, you may need to be referred back to your GP.
 
Can my surgery be rescheduled?
We do everything we can to avoid cancellations, but sometimes surgery needs to be rescheduled for clinical or operational reasons.
If this happens, we will contact you by phone. If you need to change or postpone your surgery date, please contact the scheduling team as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.
 
What does it mean if I am placed on ‘standby’?
Being on standby means you may be contacted at short notice if another patient’s surgery is cancelled. This may allow your surgery to take place sooner.
Standby is optional and will only be offered if you are medically suitable and available at short notice.
 
What should I expect before the day of surgery?
Before your surgery, you will be asked to:
  • Complete your LifeBox health questionnaire, which helps our clinical teams review your most-up-to-date medical information and plan your care safely
  • Attend your pre-operative assessment appointments
  • Attend a consenting appointment with your consultant if required to discuss your procedure and possible associated risks
  • Receive a call from the pre-theatre team 3–4 days before surgery to confirm your arrival time
  • If you have transport arranged your pick-up time will be confirmed the day before surgery
  • Request an interpreter, if needed
 
On the day of surgery
Please arrive at the centre at the time given by the pre-theatre team and report to:
SWLEOC Main Reception
Ground Floor, Denbies Wing, Block E
The theatre lists are planned based on clinical needs, the type of surgery, and whether patients are suitable for same-day discharge.