WHO Guidelines for safe surgery
WHO Guidelines for safe surgery: safe surgery saves lives
by Sion Jones
The World Health Organistation (WHO) estimated that close to half a million deaths relating to surgery could be avoided each year by correctly implementing a checklist into our everyday practice. You can read their guidelines here.
In our ever changing healthcare system, be it NHS or private sector, patient safety must always remain our number one priority. Any change in practice which encourages teamwork and gives all individuals an opportunity to voice any concerns must surely be of benefit.
Even team introductions, how is anyone expected to raise a concern when we don’t know the names of everyone present in theatre? Such briefings take a matter of minutes , and must be conducted by way of constructive checklists along with discussion and not become a tick box exercise.
Back in 2009 an adapted version of the 2008 WHO Surgical Safety Checklist was launched by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). At this time the NHS in England and Wales also issued a Patient Safety Alert urging trusts to use the checklist for any patient listed for a surgical procedure . Furthermore, this had to be documented on paper or electronically in the patients notes. During the patients journey through theatres, the three point checklist was made up of the sign in , timeout (prior to surgical intervention) and sign out (prior to anyone leaving the operating theatre).
Feedback on this adaptation indicated that an initial briefing and subsequent debriefing would also increase patient safety, and as such the three point checklist became the Five Steps to Safer Surgery which were introduced by the NPSA at the end of 2010.
With the required information and guidance, 100% of hospitals in England and Wales had introduced the checklist within the required timescale. In practice, some articles state a reduction in death rates from 1.5% to 0.8% along with other critical incidents down from 11% to 7% .
Don't just take our word for it,
see what our users think
Within two days, I was registered and ready for work with a regular contract arranged by Matthew. When this contract ended Matthew provided me with great support and boosted my confidence enough to help me take a step up in my nursing role. He is a true credit to AppLocum and always maintains a highly professional service.
-
A M McGuire
Nurse
You guys are marvellous!! I work with a few agencies but to be honest you're miles better at everything so I just work with you guys now.
-
B McQuillan
Practice Nurse
I would recommend AppLocum! Matthew is always so helpful and great at getting shifts sorted quick and fast. The whole process was smooth and easy starting my set up at AppLocum. Matthew always keeps in touch to inform you what is going on with each job. Best agency out there!
-
C Brosnan
HCA
You have helped me so much throughout 2019 coming into 2020. Its been a hard year for everyone but you made sure I had work no matter what the circumstances were, you motivated me so much to apply for my [NMC] pin. You improved my skills and knowledge within these 2 years and I wouldn't have done it without you.
-
A Majeed
Practice Nurse
I have worked for AppLocum for three years now and they are fantastic to work for! They are like one big family! They really take the time to get to know you personally, and are so supportive from the compliance officers to the nurse consultants! They are easily accessible and really care about their ANP's.
-
S Brandreth
Nurse
I have been delighted by the commitment of the AppLocum team in finding me long term work during this difficult time and the communication has been superb. I started working with the team a few weeks ago and have had more work than with my usual two agencies.
-
L Gruszka
Locum GP
It was the best experience I have ever had, having been through the same process with other agencies many times before. Obviously, I was hesitant at first having had my own personal experiences with agencies but I soon got a good feeling about this one. Very personal and friendly approach.
-
R Taylor
Practice Manager
I have recently changed my locum provider and the service I receive is excellent There is always a quick response for any requirements and queries I have. A practice managers role is very hectic and having a reliable locum agency takes so much pressure off our working day.
-
D Cohoon
Surgery Admin
