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.