Technology
the need for retraining or adjustment. One of the most significant impacts of AV-enabled theatres is on teaching and training. Students can now follow surgical procedures in real time from seminar rooms, gaining detailed insights while maintaining a clear, uncluttered theatre environment. This means infection risk is reduced and every trainee enjoys an unobstructed view, improving learning outcomes dramatically. Remote participation is also now a reality,
placing surgical expertise and advice in reach within seconds. Senior clinicians located elsewhere on a hospital estate can join remotely and view multiple camera feeds with virtually no time delay. This reduces the pressure on teams in the theatre, creating a calmer atmosphere that supports better outcomes. Indeed, the technology allows real-time global
reach to open new possibilities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, positioning UK hospitals as leaders in medical education. An example is the Harborne Hospital in Birmingham, installed with Bender’s AV solution. Here, surgeons have streamed live surgeries directly to clinicians in the United States, revolutionising training and peer review and allowing American specialists to observe UK procedures in real time and contribute to discussions without travelling.
Pioneering the world’s first robot-friendly theatres At the leading edge, AV is already influencing theatre design itself. Bender UK is now installing a pioneering projected floor-mapping system in robotic theatres to eliminate cable hazards and improve infection control. GridAlign allows precision siting of the operating table and clinical pendants for Da Vinci surgical systems eliminating the need to use floor tape. All cabling is neatly routed outside the theatre, creating a safer, clutter-free environment and further simplifying the setup. As hospitals continue to embrace AV
technology, the landscape of surgical care is rapidly evolving towards smarter, safer and more connected operating environments. This momentum will make sure that the next generation of surgical theatres will not only maximise patient outcomes but also redefine collaboration and learning for clinicians worldwide. Stephen Coleman added: “While this is the
start of the transformation journey, the pace of change is certainly accelerating. “What sets this approach apart is how it places surgeons at the centre of every design decision. By removing the distractions and clutter of traditional theatres, we enable clinical teams to focus fully on their expertise and the needs of each patient. “Turnkey solutions, combined with ongoing support mean hospitals can move forward with confidence, knowing their teams have the environment and tools they need to deliver exceptional care and mentor the next generation of surgical clinicians. In this way, we’re redefining what’s possible in surgery, ensuring progress is rooted in thoughtful innovation and practical support.”
Case study A major HSE hospital in Dublin is utilising one of Europe’s most advanced integrated operating
As hospitals continue to embrace AV technology, the landscape of surgical care is rapidly evolving towards smarter, safer and more connected operating environments.
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theatres, setting a new standard for digital surgical environments. The hospital operates at a significant scale with over 1,000 beds and 4,500 teaching staff. Prior to the project, fragmented imaging systems, inconsistent AV workflows and limited real-time teaching capability restricted both clinical efficiency and educational ambitions. The hospital aimed to create a future-ready, digitally connected theatre as a blueprint for upgrading all fifteen operating theatres across its campus. Bender UK worked closely with clinical teams, IT, Estates and the lead principal clinical engineer on site to support the project from concept to delivery. The design process included visits to hybrid theatres in London and Birmingham as well as engagement with global equipment manufacturers to assess best-in- class solutions. This collaboration informed the technical
architecture, incorporating advanced surgical imaging, integrated AV and standards-based digital governance. Delivery was completed in about eight months via off-site construction, with teams operating around the clock in the live hospital to minimise disruption. The finished theatre features state-of-the-art Bender and Merivaara systems, integrated AV and medical IT technology, supporting 24/7 surgical activity and future scalability. The results have been transformative: workflows are standardised, communication is clearer and high-quality imaging enables faster, better decision-making. Teaching and collaboration have expanded through live streaming and recording, while IT and Estates teams benefit from a governed, repeatable digital platform. The project underpins the hospital’s long-term theatre modernisation strategy, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency across Ireland.
CSJ
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