Friends 'transforming' hospital practice

Representatives of the Conquest League of Friends and of the League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital were guests in the operating theatre suite at the Conquest last Thursday.

There, senior staff explained the transformation in working practices brought about by the new equipment.

The leagues shared the 16,700 cost of a new orthopaedic operating table for use in shoulder operations.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Jamie Buchanan demonstrated it for Conquest league vice chairman Margaret Moss and treasurer Gordon Styles and Bexhill league president John Dowling and minutes secretary Ann Dowling.

Mr Buchanan explained that shoulder fractures typical of the injuries suffered by older people in falls, posed difficulties.

It was necessary to have access to both the front and back of the shoulder.

Often in the past, arranging the theatre so that surgeon, anaesthetist and the rest of the team could work effectively took longer than the operation itself.

The new operating table was delivered in January and is now in daily use.

Mr Buchanan said: "It has transformed the way we work.

"We can't believe how we managed before."

The power-operated operating table can be adjusted into a deckchair-like shape, offering maximum comfort of the patient and the best position for the surgeon.

Its height can be adjusted and a safety belt prevents those with the "fuller figure" from slipping off.

He told the representatives of the two charities: "It is great. It is amazing. We are so grateful."

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Fraser Wiggins demonstrated the two fibre optic intubation scopes for which the two leagues paid 10,000 apiece.

He explained how some patients had more difficult airways than others.

There was a risk that their airways could become blocked while under anaesthetic.

By passing the scope into the airway the anaesthetist could see into it while simultaneously inserting a tube to keep it open.

He said: "The previous system was very unwieldy. This is far better."

By purchasing two scopes, the leagues have ensured that one is available while the other is being cleansed.

Taking part in last Thursday's demonstrations, organised by Tim Leakey, risk management coordinato for anaesthetics and theatres, were lead practitioners Lesley Carter and Lorraine Neeson, orthopaedic surgeon's assistant John Comley and specialist theatre practitioner David Gould.