A question of balance: the extended surgical team

The report, 'A question of balance'

'A question of balance: The extended surgical team', explores the experiences of staff working at hospitals that have introduced workforce models using the wider surgical team.

Read the report, and accompanying case studies, videos and FAQs.

Following the report, we established a programme of work, collaborating with a wide range of roles, patients, surgeons, surgical trainees, employers and other organisations to:

• define RCS’ relationship with the surgical care team;
• set standards and produce guidance to support trusts, surgeons and other healthcare professionals to develop and work within a new model of care;
• produce clear information about roles within the wider team, what they do and what this means for patient care;
• further understand patients’ perspectives;
• promote the potential of the extended surgical team and increase support for this model of care.

Our aims are to:

• ensure high-quality continuous care for surgical patients through best use of the extended surgical team;
• support surgeons in the development, management and leadership of the extended surgical team;
• maintain high standards of training for trainees;
• develop the identity of these extended roles as part of the surgical team and the profession;
• support employers to maintain service delivery.

We are also working with Health Education England, which is leading a piece of work that aims to develop a common education framework and training programme to support a route to statutory regulation for some extended roles in England.