Operating Theatre Managers Seminar

Wednesday 2 March 2005

Operating Theatre Managers Seminar

Around 20 North Island hospital theatre managers will converge at Chelsea Private Hospital on Thursday for an Operating Theatre Managers Seminar.

The seminars are held six-monthly and provide an opportunity for theatre managers to exchange ideas, gain further education, and maintain networks.

Around 4000 operations are carried out in Gisborne a year. About 3000 of these are done in Gisborne Hospital, with 1000 carried out at Chelsea Private Hospital.

The seminars have been running for at least four years but this is the first time the seminar has been held in Gisborne.

Chelsea Hospital Theatre Manager Jenny Long said the nature of work carried out in hospital theatres meant staff are constantly seeking better ways of doing things.

“Theatre technology moves so quickly so all theatre staff must be kept up to date with new systems and methods. In theatre during an operation or procedure, team work is paramount - staying abreast of techniques and being proficient with equipment is crucial.”

Tairawhiti District Health Gisborne Hospital Theatre Manager Robin Armstrong said the seminar was also about networking with people who faced similar challenges around staff recruitment and retention, and fiscal constraints.

“This forum has been valuable to Gisborne Hospital in the past. It has led to link-ups with other theatres so savings can be made in major capital purchases.” Ms Armstrong said the seminar was important for Gisborne staff as they worked in relative isolation.

“Outside contact is vital for us to ensure that we are maintaining best practice in our field and as a result providing best outcomes for patients.”

The seminar is being held in conjunction with Johnson and Johnson Medical on Thursday 3 March and Friday 4 March 2005.

Local guest speakers include general surgeon Bertrand Jauffret (currently working in Gisborne), Chelsea Hospital Chief Executive Julie McCarthy, and Shirley McFadyen from Oasis Ministries.

ENDS

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