Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the establishment of the first Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Centre (ASC) in the UK by Smith+Nephew in collaboration with Standard Health, aimed at alleviating the pressure of long waiting times for orthopaedic surgeries within the NHS and enhancing healthcare efficiency [1][2][4]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - Smith+Nephew will provide innovative medical technology products for the Poole ASC, focusing on orthopaedics, sports medicine, and advanced wound management [2]. - The centre is expected to open in 2025 and will serve thousands of patients, primarily through NHS referrals, while also accepting private patients [2]. - The ASC will offer a variety of orthopaedic surgical services, including rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, knee and hip replacements, and surgeries for the foot, ankle, and wrist [2]. Group 2: ASC Model - The ASC model is based on a successful American framework, with over 6,000 ASCs in the U.S. accounting for more than 50% of outpatient surgeries, known for efficiency, lower costs, and higher patient satisfaction [5]. - The Poole ASC will introduce features such as streamlined processes and specialized surgical environments, reducing surgery time and hospital costs, with ASC surgery costs being 45-60% lower than hospital outpatient department (HOPD) costs [5]. - Patient satisfaction is expected to be higher due to personalized care experiences and reduced waiting times and infection risks [5]. Group 3: Market Outlook - The NHS in the UK faces significant challenges with long waiting times for orthopaedic surgeries, with over 850,000 patients waiting for procedures as of June 2025 [6]. - The ASC market in the U.S. performed nearly 23 million surgeries in 2020, indicating a significant shift in patient preference towards more convenient care options [6]. - The ASC market is projected to reach approximately $97 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2021 to 2026 [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Smith+Nephew, founded in 1856 and headquartered in Hull, UK, is a leading global orthopaedic medical device company focusing on joint repair, sports medicine, wound management, and neuroscience [10]. - The company reported revenues of $5.81 billion and an operating profit of $657 million in 2024, employing over 18,000 people globally [10]. - Key products include the JOURNEY II knee replacement system and the CORI surgical robot system, with innovations like the TESSA spatial surgery system aimed at improving surgical outcomes [10][11].