Cutting-edge operating theatre to transform healthcare in Scotland

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 21:55

IT IS a room with an intimate view and the most advanced operating theatre in Europe.

While the surgeon's favourite show tunes blare out from an iPod dock, the patient's insides will be beamed on to high-definition flatscreen televisions as well as to students around the world as Edinburgh Royal Infirmary meets the Starship Enterprise.

Yesterday, the state-of-the-art Endoalpha operating room was formally opened at the infirmary where pioneering keyhole surgery, in which surgeons perform an operation through tiny incisions on the body, will take place.

The theatre will cater for some of the most complex medical operations and is expected to speed up procedures. The facility will also allow video conferences in which operations are broadcast anywhere in the world, allowing trainee surgeons to learn new techniques.

Yesterday, Simon Paterson-Brown, NHS Lothian's top surgeon, who was involved in the design of the theatre, said the facility would transform healthcare in Scotland.

"This is really exciting for NHS Lothian, our patients and the industry as a whole," he said. "The new theatre will revolutionise patient care, operating procedures and training, not just in Lothian and Scotland, but across the UK."

The consultant said the hi-tech equipment at the theatre will play a key role in operations. He said: "The view for surgeons is so much better, so it will help us work better and perform more advanced surgery.

"The ergonomics for the surgeon are perfect. Each piece of equipment can be adjusted to suit different needs, and cables and leads are installed in overhead consoles.

"The high-definition screens are so much better and mean that the images seen within the theatre and in the lecture room are so much clearer. The equipment will mean that we will be able to work faster and ultimately perform more advanced operations."

The hospital has worked with Olympus KeyMed, who supplied the cameras and screens, to put the facility on the map. Among the gadgets is an iPod dock which will allow surgeons to play whatever music they prefer during operations.

Gareth Walsh, director of medical business at Olympus KeyMed, said: "All the energy that has been invested in this project is obviously worth it. It started a few years ago and has now resulted in the installation of a state-of-the-art integrated operating theatre.

"This new facility will showcase the most modern endoscopic imaging technology, which is leading edge anywhere in the world.

"In our medical business we have tens of thousands of customers, and in our consumer camera business literally a million, and while it's a clich that all of these customers are important, occasionally you meet customers who make an extraordinary impact on all who come into contact with them.

"The team at Edinburgh are in that category and what is obvious to anyone who visits this hospital is the work ethic and a genuine passion for the patient care and education."