SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS NHS challenges
The pressures facing the NHS are well- versed. An ageing population, rising rates of chronic conditions, financial pressures and a stretched workforce have all meant that money is tight. However, if the system is able to procure products based on their value to the whole-system, there is a very clear benefit to the NHS as a whole, rather than siloed budgets that may release short-term cash savings.
As well as purchasing the ‘day-to-day’ surgical instruments, what is becoming increasingly important is how the NHS approaches the procurement of future innovations, such as laparoscopic devices and robot-assisted tools. These methods present huge opportunities for surgeons to reduce bed- stay through minimally invasive techniques. Paula Singleton-Hobbs observed: “Some of the laparoscopic procedures that happen today are amazing. Instead of splitting you from nipple to knee, you just have three small ports, so recovery time is a lot better.”
From speaking to companies in the field, there is clearly a hunger to provide these services of the future, but what is also evident is the ongoing need for ‘basic’ surgical instruments, particularly in the developing world where funding is limited. And so, for various reasons, there will always be a need for scissors, scalpels, forceps, clamps and the thousands of other instruments. Alongside their respective day jobs, Daniel Coole and Paula Singleton-Hobbs chair ABHI’s Surgical Instrument Group; a collective of ABHI member companies who help equip the industry with the tools they need. As part of that group, companies work to ensure the sector is seen as safe, accountable, professional and equitable. In turn, raising awareness of the value provided by surgical instruments, with a focus on patient safety and clinical performance. Coole asserted: “We are a really proud sector and compliance is everything. For items that are used each day in hospitals up and down the country, it’s vital that
As well as purchasing the ‘day-to-day’ surgical instruments, what is becoming increasingly important is how the NHS approaches the procurement of future innovations, such as laparoscopic devices and robot-assisted tools.
instruments are of a high-quality. Some cost a couple of pounds, others are thousands, but you must treat every one of them with the same level of respect and care.” It is that onus on care that is so implicit to the sector. For tools that many of us take for granted, they have an enormous impact on healthcare outcomes. I, for one, feel that it is time we started to think about surgical instruments in the same way we view any of the latest HealthTech advancements. Without them, modern healthcare simply would not be possible.
About the author
Jonathan Evans is responsible for setting and implementing the ABHI’s communications strategy. A critical focus is a proactive approach to conveying the key messages of our priorities to audiences.
A graduate of Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, in his previous role, Jonathan led the communications department of Ataxia UK, the national charity for people affected by the neurological condition, ataxia. There he led on the charity’s re-branding, website development, and engagement with people with ataxia, their families and carers.
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