THEATRE SAF E T Y
measures, both behavioural and operational. Theatres need to continue prioritising the use and deployment of equipment which gives them the means to reduce physical contact with their patient, alongside safe physical distancing where possible. It is equally important that the need for repeat procedures is kept to the absolute minimum, so as to not put pressure back on the healthcare system. Collaboration will continue to be required at all levels of patient care, including the private sector and the supply chain. The latter, which has already been at the forefront of ensuring hospitals are as fully stocked as possible, will continue to see increased demand for equipment which will make processes efficient and swift, so as to ease the burden on the hospital system and patient wellbeing.
The role of innovation
Equipment suppliers, mindful of the changes in operation, are seeing a demand for products which allow clinicians to conduct procedures such as laparoscopy in a way which protects them and their patient from the risk of unintentional infection of COVID-19. For example, Cooper Surgical’s Ally and Rumi II products ensure a patient is comfortable and stable during the procedure, while at the same time allowing the procedure to take place with reduced staff.
theatre, are free to carry out other tasks. These examples demonstrate where hospitals can utilise equipment for safety. However, they are only possible with a robust supply chain. Over the course of the pandemic, Aquilant has experienced the surge in demand for operational equipment and observed the impact COVID-19 has had on med-tech supplies. With the increased demand for products, organisations have had to accelerate production and this naturally puts pressure on manufacturers. This has been highlighted throughout the pandemic, mainly with the demand for ventilators.
The Ally device allows procedures to take place with reduced staff.
The risk to potential aerosol gas exposure is also reduced, creating a safe environment for the clinician and patient. The Ally’s hydraulic arm also provides
precision, therefore enabling the clinician to complete the laparoscopy in a timely manner and reducing the time spent in an area which may put them at risk. Because the solutions can be attached to a standardised operating table, even the most confined theatres are made safer, as the Ally only requires one clinician to operate: other clinicians, which may otherwise have been required in the
It is essential that the contribution manufacturers and suppliers make towards a safe operating theatre is not underestimated. Though the process of bringing PPE and medical devices to market has been accelerated, the impetus is still on testing these products to ensure safe use.10 With details of emergency procurement networks now available, hospitals are able to accurately source and install the necessary equipment for when operations return to near-full capacity.
Operating theatres of the future There is still some distance to travel before surgical theatres return to pre-pandemic operational levels. Steps are already being
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