A new piece of equipment is helping a Cumbrian hospital cut operation times and improve efficiency.
The £35,000 testing analyser now used at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, provides results in the theatre during a specific operation rather than having to wait until it has been analysed in the main laboratories.
It was bought thanks to a legacy from Leonard Atkinson, via the North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity.
Ludger Barthelmes, consultant surgeon said, “Parathyroidectomy operations are undertaken when one or more of the parathyroid glands are enlarged.
“This drives calcium out of the bones and can lead to number of complications including osteoporosis, low impact fractures and kidney stones.
“During the procedure, testing of the parathyroid hormone is required to check that all the necessary tissue has been removed.
“Prior to the analyser being in place, this involved blood samples being taken and analysed at the busy main laboratories. This took around 40 minutes which doubled operating times and meant that patients could take longer to recover. The new point of care analyser can do this within five minutes.”
Hannah Little, staff nurse in WCH theatres, said: “In the past, the porter took the blood sample out of theatres to the lab while the patient was under anaesthetic and we would wait for the result.
“Following a conversation between surgeon and the lab, the operation was either finished or started from scratch.
“With the new analyser it is rewarding to be part of the process, handle the blood sample and see the hormone levels drop on the display of the analyser ourselves. We don’t lose momentum, proceed with further surgery there and then or are able to send for the next patient promptly.”
Ludger added: “During the 15 years I have been working in West Cumberland Hospital I benefitted from many improvements in surgery available in West Cumberland Hospital.
“We are very grateful for the generosity of West Cumbrian patients, their relatives and friends. We are very fortunate to have their support through the charity which enhances the experience for our patients and our staff.”
