The Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC) has been formally re-established, with the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) leading the renewed effort to shape and support the future of perioperative care across the UK.

The collaborative brings together leading organisations, including AfPP, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC), the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), and key academic institutions, with a shared aim to influence healthcare policy and develop guidance that improves patient care and supports the multi-professional surgical team.

The first priority on the agenda for the newly reinstated group is a matter of urgent concern: a full review of the Position Statement for the role of Surgical First Assistants (SFAs).

Lisa Tierney, Chair of the PCC, Trustee and Board Member of AfPP, said the review comes in response to growing unease from practitioners across the perioperative community.

“Concerns have been raised by AfPP members and practitioners, and we’ve received anecdotal evidence that SFAs are routinely being asked to work outside their scope of training and competence,” said Lisa. “This is particularly the case when assisting in robotic surgery. We must address this urgently, as it impacts practitioner and patient safety.”

The PCC was originally formed in 2002 with the purpose of exploring key perioperative issues and reaching consensus on how best to address them. Re-establishing the group in 2025 reflects a renewed commitment to examining the complexities of contemporary surgical practice, ensuring professionals have the guidance, support, and policy influence needed to meet the evolving demands of the perioperative environment.

As a collaborative, the PCC serves as a platform for dialogue and debate among those working in both practice and education within the surgical setting. Its core mission is to enhance the perioperative patient experience by informing policy and publishing evidence-based best practice.

The SFA Position Statement is the first of many areas the PCC intends to examine.

According to Lisa: “This review will set the tone for how we move forward as a collaborative. It’s not just about SFAs, we need to look at all role Position Statements and how we support different workforce streams within the perioperative team. As the clinical landscape evolves, so must our frameworks for safe, effective practice.”

The next meeting of the PCC will take place in August, where members will begin the detailed work of updating the SFA Position Statement and identifying other priority areas.

For more information and updates from the PCC, visit www.afpp.org.uk.

Picture shows Lisa Tierney.