Southland Hospital will receive more than $500,000 for a programme it began this year to improve productivity in its operating theatres.
The hospital was chosen last year as one of seven sites for the project, which aims to speed up service to elective surgery patients, reducing delays and postponement or cancellations.
Announcing the funding, Health Minister Tony Ryall yesterday said the programme included ensuring standard equipment was kept in set places so that valuable theatre time was not wasted trying to find things.
United Kingdom theatre staff involved in the programme report fewer cancelled operations, up to 25% reduction in start-time delays, up to 60% faster turnaround between each operation, and significantly improved job satisfaction.
This month's hospitals' advisory committee meeting was told that in Southland, work to date had included a focus on efficient theatre organisation and identifying staff requirements and training.
