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According to ABS and AIHW figures, there are over 3,000 operating theatres in Australian hospitals. Despite the many differences across the system and facilities, the 2014 Operating Theatre Management conference highlighted the importance of communication, working together and the realisation that, “we all have the same issues, problems and successes”.
As Ross Mace, Nurse Unit Manager, Launceston General Hospital, Tasmanian Health Organisation – North commented, the conference provided “the reaffirmation that we’re not alone. As managers you sometimes feel isolated… yet when you come to this forum there’s a sense that, yes, we’re all going through the same thing”
“Networking between different professionals of the same level” proved a key highlight of the conference with both long-standing friendships and new relationships clearly evident. Bringing together over 150 operating room management and perioperative professionals, including Operating Room/Perioperative Managers, Operating Room Nurse Unit Managers, Directors of Surgical Services, and Perioperative Services Managers, the conference provided a “ really wonderful, enriching and thought provoking” platform for showcasing innovative models and procedures from both public and private hospitals.
It was a forum to share, discuss and debate with key topics including:
- Implementing the National Standards and preparing for accreditation
- Perioperative information systems
- Meeting surgical targets and relating surgery time to ABF
- Infection control
- Communication in clinical handover
- Improving team performance and safety in practice
- Maximising operating theatre efficiency
- Moving into new operating theatres – design, preparation, consolidation, determination
- Delegation and supervision of clinical care
- Staffing, recruitment and clinical education
Critical case studies were provided by each state and territory in Australia (except NT) ranging from QEII Jubilee Hospital and the Sunshine Coast Hospital & Health Service in the north; Royal Perth Hospital over to the west, Mount Gambier & Districts Health Service in South Australia and Ballarat Base Hospital, Peninsula Health, Maroondah Hospital and St John of God Geelong Hospital across the border in Victoria. There was also North Shore Private Hospital in Sydney, Canberra Hospital and Launceston General Hospital from south to share their knowledge and experiences. You can view and download these presentations on Slideshare.
Sharing these lessons is vital to improving safety and efficiency and as Phyllis Davis, Nurse Manager, Randwick Campus Operating Suite; The Prince of Wales Hospital; The Sydney Children’s Hospital; The Royal Hospital for Women observed in her summary remarks: “Communication in everything we do, through our national standards, quality and safety and change management. When we reflect on what we do in our roles as leaders and mentors, it all comes down to communication”
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We’d again like to thank all our speakers, industry partners, sponsors, attendees for contributing to the success of the conference.
The conference is now in its seventh year and we’re looking forward to continuing the shared journey and conversation with you in Brisbane this 2016 on the 3-4 August!