The Berkshire Independent Hospital (BIH) in Reading recently became the first Ramsay Health Care hospital to install Karl Storz OR1 NEO operating theatres. Business tycoon Sir John Madejski, a former patient, unveiled the two new digital integrated theatres in October.
The ‘multifunctional’ theatres are particularly suited to endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery, and ‘integrate fully’ with endoscopic equipment; 42% of all surgery at BIH is laparoscopic or endoscopic. They feature touchscreen controls, with provision for a 19” touchscreen to enter the sterile field. The touchscreen has a realistic user interface and recording and data capture, giving surgeons full control of all devices. High definition broadcast capture using a 3-chip digital camera system, and three 24” HD 1080P LCD widescreen monitors, mean the surgeon’s needs can be anticipated at all times. The touchscreen also allows for use of the AIDA surgical image capture and archiving system. The OR1 NEO’s fully dimmable green room lighting, meanwhile, provides improved contrast of endoscopic images, and reduces monitor background glare and flicker. The mounting solution ensures that all surgical equipment is off the ground and can be easily moved around.
