Implementing integrated operating theatres in the NHS
Intergrated theatres
Supported by
NHS SBS has implemented a framework that allows NHS organisations and other public sector bodies to purchase all of their audio visual requirements under the same framework, including integrated operating theatres It is a well known fact that NHS hospitals for patients, scheduling and planning are having to operate under extremely tight staff workloads, holding more effective budgets. Despite the record sum announced meetings, and, in some instances, using by Prime Minister Theresa May as part of the technology in operating theatres. the government’s present to the NHS on the At the end of 2017 research found that occasion of it’s 70th anniversary, which will NHS hospitals could carry out 280,000 total £20 billion a year by 2023, hospital more non-emergency operations a year bosses are still having to offer higher by organising operating theatre schedules levels of care to an increasing number of better, finding that more than two hours were people without the necessary resources. wasted each day on the average operating In an ongoing attempt to improve patient list. The report, published by regulator NHS care, create space in crowded A&E rooms, Improvement, said it is not a question of reduce waiting times and work with more getting surgeons to work harder, instead, efficiency, NHS England and the Department urging that planning lists more effectively of Health and Social Care are promoting the and reducing late starts and early finishes use of technology across the NHS estate. A lot would have made a big difference. of this digital advancement is taking the shape of patient technology, placing responsibility of Lecture theatres care in the hands of the patient so that they The Royal Lancaster Infirmary, part of the can better monitor their own conditions, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay whether that be measuring NHS Foundation Trust, uses its blood pressure or diabetes Education Centre venue for a self care. However, within range of healthcare disciplines, Operat i the hospital building such as meetings, seminars, o n al from th the use of audio workshops, national and e of Marc start visual technology regional courses. The is becoming hospital planned to agreem h, the e more prominent, update the technology n t c Integra communicating within the Lecture Theatre ted Op overs erating Theat messages to create a better in-
re p and sol roducts utions
room experience for both the audience and presenter, including enhancing sound and image quality along with straightforward user control. Pure AV, who supplied the technology for the project, explain that the project demanded a solution to enhance the experience within the Education Centre’s Lecture Theatre and connected Seminar Room. The room can be used as one large lecture hall or divided into two separate teaching areas. When divided the larger room has fixed raked seating, while the smaller of the two has flexible seating that can be rearranged to accommodate group working or a formal presentation layout. In both scenarios, the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust required clear displays, good quality sound reproduction and easy control. The solution allowed the same projector to be used in the large Lecture Theatre in both room layouts without compromising on image quality with the room user triggering the automatic adjustment of the projector image with a single button press. As a result, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary now enjoy an easy to use system that enhances the experience of both room users and support staff. A similar project was undertaken at the Health Academy, based at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. E
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