It is usually the case that starting anything from scratch in a purpose-designed space is far more straightforward than adapting or refurbishing a facility. This is certainly the case for operating theatres, which, if new, would have to comply with the latest guidelines, which among other requirements specify a minimum size. In the case of refurbishments, this does not apply and the design must work within the physical constraints of the building itself. Pulse talks to two companies that specialise in the nitty gritty of operating theatre refurbishment.
Brandon Medical is a family business that designs and manufactures medical equipment for theatres and critical care from its 50,000 ft2 factory in Leeds. It supplies the NHS and private healthcare facilities across the UK as well as exporting its products around the world. Brandon Medical’s product range includes pendants, medical lighting, IPS and UPS power systems, control panels, AV systems, operating theatre tables and ultraclean ventilation.
Managing Director, Graeme Hall explains that listening to clients and what they want to achieve from the space is vital, as is involving the clinical staff at an early stage. The biggest mistake is failing to design an integrated solution, which does not necessarily mean that all equipment ought to come from a single supplier, but does mean ensuring all equipment specified is compatible and will work together as a whole. Thus, communication between the hospital and all suppliers is absolutely critical. “As suppliers we love talking to the end user,” advises Hall. “Your suppliers are the experts on their equipment. Don’t keep them at arm’s length.”
To begin with
The starting point of any project for Brandon Medical is usually the power supply and the Ultra Clean ventilation system because these impact on the electrical design of the installation. If necessary, Brandon Medical liaises with the electrical design team to ensure the supply will sustain the required services.
Brandon Medical’s Ultra Clean ventilation solutions are Complanate and Screen-Less, thus they fit flush to the suspended ceiling and they utilise a pharmaceutical industry air curtain rather than glass sides so the movement of pendants and other critical equipment is not impeded. A patented system of Continuous Particle Monitoring (CPM) detects any problems, such as the presence of particles of dirt or smoke, and a red light alerts the medical staff, in real time, enabling them to take steps to protect the patient and staff.
Operating features, including the choice of pendant and lights, are the next stage and this is where Graeme Hall recommends it is important to involve clinical staff. “We like to talk to clinical staff as much as possible. For instance, we want to know what the lights are to be used for. They can be modular and these days they are also a major point of connectivity, being AV-equipped with cameras and monitors. Likewise with pendants, different configurations are possible depending on the desired usage. If the people who will be using the theatre aren’t involved with the specification of equipment the end result could leave medical staff having to adapt or change the way they need to work, which isn’t the most efficient solution.”
Once the equipment to be installed within the theatre has been selected, the choice of controls comes next. Brandon Medical offers a wide range, including touch screen for the user, with robust, BMS standard controls as a back-up in case of failure of the touch screen system.
Plan for the future
One final word of advice from Graeme Hall is to think about future flexibility. “In manufacturing we are always designing with future changes in mind. Hospitals tend not to do that. They tend to design for the present and at minimal cost, which is why future simple changes can become significant building projects. Sometimes spending a little bit more at the beginning can result in big savings later on.”
Systems for solutions
Founded more than 125 years ago, Dräger Medical remains a family-owned business. Historically, its core expertise lies in ventilation, respiratory and anaesthesia systems. Little did founder, Johann Heinrich Dräger realise when, in 1891, he received his first patent for the Lubeca valve, used for keeping beer fizzy by controlling the flow of carbon dioxide, that it would lead to a global business, specialising in ‘technology for life’.
Dräger Medical’s healthcare business evolved from breathing apparatus into a wider range for operating theatres, including pendants and lights, but the company’s focus is not on individual products but on systems that create a work space solution.
When approaching a theatre refurbishment project, Sarah Sanderson, Project Specialist Workplace Infrastructure explains that Dräger Medical starts with a 3D modelling system that enables the hospital team to re-create their own theatre, adding people and equipment. “This enables our clients to challenge how they currently do things and helps them to future-proof their theatre design,” explains Sanderson. In the case of a new project the architect’s plans may be replicated within the 3D modelling tool. This facility can significantly speed-up the entire process, as it is easier and quicker to visualise the facility, identify what works and what needs to change.
At the Dräger Medical facility in Lübeck, (north Germany) 3D modelling is turned into reality as clients can re-create their operating theatre in a unique facility, walking through fully equipped departments featuring the actual equipment they might opt to install in their own theatres. Often, this means the final solution is different to the idea the project team had at the outset. “It’s a bit like buying a house off-plan. You want to visualise where everything is. It’s a big responsibility to sign-off the investment in an operating theatre re-fit and this facility helps our clients to be sure they are getting the right solution for them. It’s not about pushing Dräger; it’s about trying to represent what the client’s facility will look like in reality,” says Sanderson.
Early in 2016 Dräger Medical launched a new operating theatre light. The Dräger Polaris 600 features the latest LED technology as well as sterile touch control on the central handle with a tap and swipe operation, enabling the surgeon to control the light density. The two lights heads may also be synchronised enabling settings to automatically be duplicated.
Conclusion
Understanding the requirements of the space, involving all users, considering how users will interact with the equipment and move around the space and thinking of future requirements would appear to be essential elements for a successful operating theatre refurbishment project.
