Introduction

In addition to the overall design of the theatre, including good quality, well-maintained equipment, the single most important aspect of theatre safety is the high performance of all theatre staff in their various roles. This requires careful protocols and guidelines which need to be adhered to, good initial training and on-going education, with good managerial aspects that include motivating staff.

The risks for the patient starts when he or she leaves the ward and continues until the safe return from theatre. All too often discussion of theatre safety is confined to procedures in the operating theatre, whereas in reality this is only part of the overall delivery of high-quality care.