Core Viewpoint - Smith+Nephew has announced a strategic partnership with Standard Health to develop the first Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Centre in the UK, aimed at improving access to advanced joint repair and replacement technologies for patients [1][2]. Company Overview - Smith+Nephew is a global medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue, with annual sales of $5.8 billion in 2024 [9]. - Standard Health specializes in orthopaedic care and has provided NHS services since 2012, with plans for nationwide expansion [10]. Partnership Details - The new centre in Poole, Dorset, will cater to both NHS and private patients, offering procedures such as rotator cuff repair and knee replacements, and is expected to open in 2025 [1][3]. - Standard Health plans to open an additional 10 sites in the UK over the next three years, totaling 20 by 2030 [2]. Operational Model - The centre will adopt the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) model from the US, which has proven benefits including increased procedural efficiency and high patient satisfaction rates [3][6]. - In the US, ASCs account for over 50% of all outpatient surgical procedures, with more than 6,000 facilities currently operating [3]. Market Demand - There are over 850,000 individuals waiting for orthopaedic surgery in the UK, highlighting the need for independent providers to meet this demand [3]. - The partnership aims to address the long wait times for procedures in the UK, providing a sustainable model for care [4]. Expected Benefits - The ASC model is associated with a 92% patient satisfaction rate and can reduce costs of joint replacements by 40% compared to hospital-based surgeries [6]. - The collaboration is expected to enhance the quality of care for patients and provide value for NHS commissioners [4].