The partnership has allowed almost 1,500 patients to have smaller procedures at GP practices in Whitstable and Faversham over the past three years.

It also means waiting times for more complicated procedures have been reduced, as hospital theatre time is not taken up with smaller surgeries.

The service is run by consultant orthopaedic and hand surgeon Mr Chris James, alongside fellow consultants Mr Andrew Smith, Mr Jeremy Stanton and Mr Mark Williamson.

Mr James said: ‘The initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration with primary care. It has effectively reduced patient contact points, reduced the waiting time for surgery and directly enhanced patient outcomes.

‘By transferring small procedures from the main theatre lists to primary care, we've been able to provide quicker treatment for these patients and allow more complex cases to receive surgery at the elective orthopaedic centre at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and orthopaedic theatres across the trust.'

Typical procedures that can be carried out in the community include trigger finger release, carpal tunnel release and ganglion surgery.