Somerset hospital equips all theatres with video laryngoscopes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 06:22 · Archive

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has installed video laryngoscopes in every operating theatre at Musgrove Park Hospital. The devices assist anaesthetists with placing breathing tubes before surgery, offering a clearer view of the airway and reducing risks during intubation. The equipment is also now available at Yeovil Hospital.

Dr Kate Reeve, consultant anaesthetist and airway lead at Musgrove Park Hospital, said the hospital previously had only one or two video laryngoscopes in each area of its operating theatres. 'We've now introduced this into every single theatre across the hospital,' she said. The trust invested in replacing existing devices and purchased additional equipment to ensure every theatre is now equipped with one, aligning with national guidance from the Difficult Airway Society.

The technology improves first-time intubation success and reduces the risk of tissue damage. By making difficult-airway equipment readily available in every location where an anaesthetic is delivered, the change removes the potential for delay if equipment must be retrieved during an emergency. The devices also enhance team communication by displaying a real-time view of the airway on a large screen, allowing operating department practitioners, anaesthetic nurses and other colleagues to see exactly what is happening.

How it is being reported

• Every operating theatre at Somerset hospital gets new airway equipmentSomerset NHS Foundation Trust has introduced video laryngoscopes in every operating theatre at Musgrove Park Hospital to improve patient safety.Somerset County Gazette · 31 Oct, 05:00
• New airway equipment introduced across theatres at a Somerset hospitalSomerset NHS Foundation Trust has introduced video laryngoscopes in every operating theatre at Musgrove Park Hospital to improve patient safety.Bridgwater Mercury · 31 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust · Musgrove Park Hospital · Yeovil Hospital · Difficult Airway Society · Dr Kate Reeve

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