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Anaesthetics and Theatres

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Main Theatre suite comprises of 9 theatres which can be broken down into 7 theatres for elective surgery including two theatres for elective joint surgery & trauma, one theatre for emergencies and one theatre specifically used for maternity services. Two of our theatres (Theatres 5 & 6) have undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years and contain state-of-the-art equipment allowing for major laparoscopic and orthopaedic surgery.

 Elective operating takes place Monday to Friday with occasional elective lists taking place at weekends. The department provides a 24/7 day emergency and maternity service.

The main theatre department provides surgical care to patients in the following specialities:

  • Ear, Nose and Throat
  • General Surgery
  • Breast Surgery
  • Dental and Maxillofacial
  • Orthopaedics
  • Trauma
  • Major Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Urology
  • Gynaecology
  • Obstetrics

The aim of the department is to provide safe, compassionate and evidence-based care to patients throughout their perioperative journey from their anaesthetic, through their surgery finishing with recovery in our post-anaesthetic care unit.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly and approachable multi-disciplinary team which includes: Doctors, Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), Assistant Theatre Practitioners, Support workers, Operating Department Orderlies (ODOs) and a fantastic support team that assists with the daily running of the department.

What can patients expect?

The patient’s perioperative journey consists of three stages during their time in main theatres:

  • Anaesthetics - Patients will first enter the anaesthetic room where they will be greeted by the anaesthetic team and have their details checked according to the World Health Organisation Safe Surgery checklist. Following this, the patient will undergo their anaesthetic which will have been discussed with them prior to attending theatre and once the patient is prepared and safe, they will be transferred into theatre for the next stage of their care.
  • Surgery - During this time the patient’s surgery will take place with the multi-disciplinary team acting as an advocate for the patient ensuring the highest standards of care are given
  • Recovery- Following their surgery, the patient will be transferred to the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) where a highly skilled team of staff will ensure that the patient has fully recovered from their surgery before being discharged back to their designated ward.

Meet the team

  • Matron- Jillian Dawson
  • Lead Nurse Manager - Marilyn Kennedy
  • Practice Development Facilitator - Paul Bridges
  • Anaesthetic Team Leader - Mark Girdlestone
  • Emergency Team Leader - Karren Whittleton
  • Orthopaedic Team Leader - Jaison Joseph
  • Recovery Team Leader - Nicola Smith
  • Elective Surgery Team Leader(s) - Kelly Claydon & Sylvia Ramos Nabais

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