Howorth Medical has recently completed a major project at BMI Albyn Hospital, Aberdeen. Work carried out included the upgrading and refitting of two existing theatres and a recovery area. A third theatre was also built to increase capacity and flexibility of usage.
Howorth’s Exflow Ultra-Clean Ventilation Canopy was installed in theatres one and two, upgrading them from conventional theatres to theatres with ultra-clean airflow and therefore suitable for orthopaedic surgery. The Exflow 90-5 is reported to be one of the world’s most advanced ultra-clean ventilation systems, with its graded velocity air profile. Howorth also designed and built a third theatre, accommodating a ceiling-mounted Zeiss microscope for use in ophthalmic procedures.
All three theatres and the recovery area now feature the Howorth Isolated Power System (with UPS back-up), further protecting the patient from any risk of electric shock and thereby possible defibrillation while under anaesthetic. New air-conditioning and BMS controls systems were also installed, ensuring the provision of optimum environmental conditions for the surgical procedure, patients and clinicians.
Works were carried out within a live operating department as one theatre had to remain functional at all times. This entailed close co-operation between all involved to ensure exceptional clinical and hygiene standards were maintained throughout the works.
Albyn Hospital is part of BMI Healthcare, a provider of healthcare services throughout the UK. Located in the west end of Aberdeen, the hospital is the only independent hospital serving Grampian and the North of Scotland.
Kenneth Hay, executive director of Albyn Hospital, commented: “The upgrading of two of our theatres to incorporate ultraclean ventilation systems is a significant enhancement, further minimising risk of infection. Carried out efficiently and completed on time, this was a very successful project that ensures we can continue to provide the highest quality care and treatment for private patients.”
