Sulis Hospital
About Us
Sulis Hospital Named Finalist for Prestigious HSJ Award

Posted on 20 / 02 / 2025

Sulis Hospital Named Finalist for Prestigious HSJ Award

Recognition comes after a journey of remarkable growth and excellence

Sulis Hospital has officially been recognised in the 2025 Health Services Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards for its work in Regional Capacity Integration alongside the Royal United Hospital’s Bath NHS Trust (RUH).

This achievement highlights the hospital’s ongoing commitment to innovation, patient care and system-wide collaboration, particularly in elective care recovery and NHS capacity expansion.

While the final results of the awards are yet to be revealed, being shortlisted is a significant achievement and an honour in itself. This is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and vision that have shaped the hospital's journey over recent years. Not to mention the dedication to the wider ecosystem of NHS and ICBs with whom the hospital has collaborated.

Pioneering a new way of thinking in healthcare

Since becoming part of the RUH family in 2021, Sulis Hospital has made remarkable strides in expanding capacity, improving efficiency and delivering outstanding care to both NHS and private patients. As the UK’s first independent hospital fully owned by an NHS Trust, Sulis Hospital and the RUH have pioneered a unique approach that blends the agility of the independent sector with the core values of the NHS, creating a powerful model that’s making a difference.

Over the past three years, Sulis Hospital has consistently demonstrated its ability to enhance patient outcomes while addressing key healthcare challenges. Alongside same-day joint replacements and robotics-assisted surgery, the hospital’s involvement with Smith & Nephew’s REGENETEN procedures has strengthened its position as a centre for excellence in orthopaedic care. The hospital was also the first independent provider in England to receive the ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT) accreditation, underscoring its commitment to patient pathways, care delivery and innovation.

The hospital’s care environment and architecture, designed by Foster + Partners, have also earned multiple accolades. Its biophilic design enhances patient wellbeing and recovery times, earning recognition such as the BCI Award for Best Building Project (£3m - £50m), the Building Better Healthcare Award for Best Hospital Design, the RIBA Award for the South West, and more recently an Architecture Today Award.

"The building and its relationship to its landscape, have been well thought through to produce an environment that is flexible, efficient, welcoming and calm. Fifteen years on, this innovative building still sets high standards for the sector as a whole,” said an Architecture Today Awards Judge.

Best Elective Care Recovery Initiative

Supporting NHS capacity and elective care recovery

A key driver behind Sulis Hospital’s recognition at the HSJ Partnership Awards is its role in expanding elective care capacity across the South West. In collaboration with the RUH and other NHS Trusts and ICBs in the region, Sulis has contributed to a substantial increase in surgical and diagnostic activity, ensuring that NHS patients receive timely care whilst alleviating pressure on acute hospital sites.

Recent milestones include:

Establishing the Sulis Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SEOC) in partnership with the Bath, Swindon, and Salisbury Trusts, further strengthening the hospital’s position as a specialist hub for elective surgery.

A multi-million pound investment in new facilities, including two additional modular theatres, extra day case pods and upgraded diagnostic capabilities.

The Community Diagnostic Centre facilitating over 20,000 extra patient diagnostic tests and scans since opening in 2023.

The expansion of radiology services, resulting in over 23,000 additional diagnostic investigations within two years, helping to clear backlogs and improve patient access to crucial tests.

The introduction of new cardiology and respiratory diagnostic services, reinforcing Sulis Hospital’s role as a vital regional healthcare asset.

Deploying a mobile Endoscopy Unit to expand access and capacity for procedures.

Collaborating with over nine NHS trusts across the South West and supporting them through Inter-Provider Transfers and Mutual Aid initiatives.

A rewarding place to work and an outstanding team

Sulis Hospital’s latest staff survey revealed a strong foundation of trust and compassionate leadership within its culture. “The strong camaraderie in the team makes it a very happy place to work,” said one member of staff, while over three-quarters would recommend Sulis as a great place to work. Meanwhile, 98% of patients recommend the hospital's services.

Sulis is proud to support ongoing learning in an environment that follows best practices, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to make a difference and given ample development opportunities.

Senior Staff Nurse Portia describes Sulis Hospital as an environment where learning and support go hand in hand. “Everyone has been amazing,” she says. “As long as you are ready to learn, everyone is willing to teach you.”

Portia also finds her work at the hospital incredibly rewarding. “When a patient comes in and you see that they are in pain; and then they walk out of the door again pain-free, it’s very rewarding.”

Over the years, Sulis Hospital’s Annual Awards Evening has celebrated the invaluable contributions of its staff, with over 30 awards given across departments last year. The event also featured a charity raffle supporting Dorothy House, a local hospice care provider.

A model for the future

The success of Sulis Hospital and its partnership with the RUH has set a precedent for how NHS Trusts and independent providers can work together to enhance patient care. By integrating resources, streamlining patient pathways and fostering innovation, they have provided a blueprint for sustainable healthcare models that balance NHS commitments with financial resilience.

Integrating private sector resources to enhance NHS capacity and efficiency requires nuance and an element of balance, but it has the potential to help chart a new path forward for the healthcare system. Key learnings over the years include:

The importance of shared governance, allowing for the exchange of learning and best practices on both sides.

Data sharing agreements with IT systems to enable quicker decision-making and access to clinical information.

Capital investment to upgrade facilities and expand services, providing additional consultation rooms, improved infrastructure and more.

An open mind and a collaborative approach, working alongside ICBs and Trusts to create meaningful change rather than replicating existing models.

Looking ahead, the hospital remains dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare. Future plans include further investments in digital transformation, improved patient booking systems and continued expansion of clinical services.

Sulis Hospital’s recognition as an HSJ Partnership Awards finalist is not just a celebration of past achievements – it’s a marker of an ambitious future, built on collaboration, excellence and a steadfast commitment to patient care. Regardless of the outcome, the hospital will continue striving to set new standards in healthcare innovation and patient care, reaffirming its place as a leader in the field.