Every instrument, needle, swab, tape and scalpel blade must be counted before, during and after every operation and the count must be carried meticulously. CUH Theatre Manager, Maggie Ward, wanted to have something that every member of her staff could watch to ensure that this procedure is carried out every time in a thorough, accurate and standardised way .

 

Media Studio worked with a team from CUH Theatres led by Martin Booth to produce a definitive guide to the surgical count for the training of all theatre staff. Every stage of counting and recording is explained, as well as what to do if something goes missing. Losing an item is defined in the NHS as a 'Never Event', so this training is helping to protect every patient who comes to CUH for surgery.