Enhancing surgical efficiency in orthopaedics

Published

The efficiency and reliability of medical equipment play pivotal roles in patient care and operational productivity. One of the pressing challenges currently facing clinical staff, theatre departments, and EBME/Med Physics teams within the UK's NHS and private healthcare sectors is ageing essential surgical equipment, particularly operating tables.

This issue, if unaddressed, leads to significant operational and financial repercussions, exacerbating the backlog of surgeries and impacting patient outcomes.

Orthopaedic Theatre Nurse
An increased surgical backlog causes additional challenges for theatre departments

Clinical staff and end-users are directly affected when essential surgical equipment like operating tables reach the end of their life cycle without a maintenance or replacement plan in place. This can also lead to the cancellation of surgeries, translating to a potential loss of approximately £21,000 per day if, for example, five procedures are postponed, and such cancellations contribute to the growing backlog of operations, further straining the healthcare system.

The root cause of this issue often lies in the end-of-life status of the equipment, coupled with a communication gap regarding maintenance capabilities and the absence of backup options. Additionally, the challenge of monitoring the status and obsolescence of all hospital equipment often overwhelms hospital staff, leading to increased waiting times and unawareness of potential equipment failures until it is too late.

Addressing this problem requires introducing reliable and advanced surgical equipment that meets current needs and anticipates future requirements. New equipment, such as operating tables, is supported by a promise of spare parts available for 20 years, ensuring long-term serviceability.

Smarter Practico Operating Table
Designed to provide better access to the surgical area

Designed to provide surgeons with better access and ease of operation, thus facilitating smoother and more efficient surgeries, the implementation of new operating tables directly impacts several key stakeholders within the healthcare system.

Theatre managers will see a reduction in waiting times, directly benefiting from increased operational efficiency. For Med Physics departments, the new tables mean removing items from the risk register, signifying a lower chance of equipment failure and the associated costs. The overarching benefits include attracting top-tier surgical talent, enhancing the hospital's reputation, and, importantly, reducing the surgical backlog. Both NHS and private healthcare providers stand to gain financially from the reduced operational costs and increased patient throughput. These benefits are crucial in orthopaedic procedures, where the precision and reliability of operating tables can significantly influence the outcome.

The healthcare sector's challenge of managing end-of-life surgical equipment necessitates a forward-thinking approach to selecting and maintaining operating tables.

Bender offers an exclusive solution by distributing and maintaining innovative operating tables designed to enhance surgical procedures. The choice of these tables as a solution is backed by the long-standing reputation of Bender and trust within the hospital environment, guaranteeing a seamless transition to new equipment with additional features but without the learning curve for the surgical teams.

Smarter Practico Operating Table for Orthopaedics
Enhanced comfort and ergonomics for surgeons and patients
Operating Table for Orthopaedics
Smarter Practico™ improves surgical performance for orthopaedics

By investing in these advanced operating tables, healthcare providers can mitigate the risks associated with equipment obsolescence, streamline their surgical procedures, and ultimately contribute to a more efficient, patient-centric healthcare system.

For more information about operating tables for orthopaedic procedures, visit: https://uk.bender-group.com/operate-with-efficiency.

 

This article is for informational purposes only. Bender provides the information "as is" without warranty and is not responsible for its accuracy or reliability. No warranties are given regarding its suitability for any specific circumstances.