A new ‘mini laboratory’ for West Cumberland Hospital theatres is making sure patients get home more quickly and improves the overall efficiency of the theatres.
The North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity has purchased a £35,000 ‘little box’ point of care testing analyser that can provide vital results in the theatre during a specific operation rather than having to wait until it has been analysed in the main laboratories.
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 5 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. “
Liz Berry- Point of Care Testing Manager said “It has been brilliant to work closely with one of the teams within the Trust to implement a new test at the point of care, which is not only accurate, timely and has governance embedded in it, but is also of considerable benefit for patients, staff and the Trust.”
North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity is fortunate to benefit from many kind donations from the West Cumbrian community. This charitable purchase has been possible thanks to a legacy from the late Leonard Atkinson.
Ludger Barthelmes said, “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.”
If you would like to learn more about North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity or donate or raise funds please visit our website or follow us on Facebook.
Recent donations to North Cumbria NHS Charity have raised over £300,000 allowing for the following equipment to be purchased:
- Sentinel node biopsy equipment,
- intra-operative x-raying of breast specimen,
- breast ultrasound,
- 3 D mammography,
- radiofrequency localisation of impalpable breast lesions,
- Dedicated laundry equipment for reusable hats