Smith+Nephew (NYSE: SNN) announced today that it partnered with Standard Health to support the development of an orthopedic ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
This marks the first-ever orthopedic ASC in the UK, according to a news release. The London-based orthopedic giant plans for the Poole, Dorset, center to offer NHS and private patients access to leading joint repair and replacement technology. Its offerings span rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, knee and hip replacements and foot & ankle/hand & wrist procedures.
Standard Health, a clinical healthcare provider, holds responsibility for site development and operation of the facility. Smith+Nephew plans to supply its portfolio of medical technologies under the strategic partnership. Standard Health also plans to open a further 10 additional UK sites in the following three years. It anticipates 20 orthopedic ASCs in the UK by 2030.
The companies plan for the Poole center to cover day and overnight stay cases that make up the majority of orthopedic procedures. They intend to mirror the ASC model in the U.S., where Smith+Nephew partners with many sports medicine and orthopedic facilities.
Smith+Nephew says ASCs provide greater procedural efficiency with streamlined workflows and a higher patient satisfaction rate. They can also lead to decreased costs compared to hospital-based surgery.
The companies say they expect to open the Poole ASC in 2025 and serve thousands of patients per calendar year. The majority of those patients should come through NHS referrals.
“The Standard Health Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgical Centre model will bring the benefits long enjoyed by U.S. patients to those on waiting lists in the UK,” said Craig Gaffin, Smith+Nephew president of Global Orthopaedics. “Our expertise with ASCs and broad portfolio of solutions will ensure that facilities and patients have access to world-class orthopaedic, sports medicine and wound management medical technology to help surgeons deliver an outstanding experience.”
