The surgical and perioperative team in their new hybrid theatre

The RBWH Surgical and Perioperative team are thrilled to welcome two new Hybrid Operating Theatres to the department. A hybrid theatre is an operating room equipped with advanced medical imaging devices which have the capacity to undertake a full range of intraoperative and interventional procedures using image guided therapy. It allows seamless flow for the surgical team between open and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The hybrid theatres will primarily be used for vascular surgery. Procedures include, but are not limited to, diagnostic angiography, angioplasty, and open vessel repair. The theatres will allow improved imaging of vessels with reduced radiation exposure to patients and staff and is more efficient and consistent than the previous technology.

Acting Nurse Manager for Perioperative Assets Anna Dowe said the staff are particularly excited about the new technology available in the theatres.

“The room has a permanent C-arm and table along with multiple monitors which allow the team to view the imaging at any angle and position in the room. It also has voice activation technology, light cameras and speakers,” Anna said.

“When planning the theatres, a multidisciplinary approach was taken to ensure the needs of the end users were carefully considered in order to deliver optimal patient care.

“So far, the theatres have significantly enhanced the working space and functionality of the room, improved patient and staff flow and enhanced the quality of patient care provided to achieve world class surgical outcomes.”