An innovative hand surgery table developed by a Frimley Health consultant is improving patient safety as well as the surgical experience.

Matthew Gardiner, the Trust’s associate medical director for research as well as consultant hand and plastic surgeon, recognised a better designed table would create a more comfortable experience for patients, who can now sit up during the procedure under local anaesthetic. Traditionally, patients had to lie flat during hand surgery, which has disadvantages.

“Patient safety and comfort were the main drivers,” he said. “Many have conditions that make lying flat very difficult and uncomfortable. Some ended up having general anaesthesia only because they couldn’t tolerate lying flat whilst awake.”

While general anaesthesia is safe, local anaesthetic is safer. Trials with the new system saw patients able to sit up and read while their operations were carried out, or even watch the surgery if they wanted. The table’s design also includes a screen option for those who would rather not watch the surgeon at work.

The innovation was one of the successful bids at last year’s CEO Change Challenge, the Trust’s annual Dragon’s Den-style competition which aims to get frontline staff more involved in designing and delivering change for themselves.

This secured £7,800 to build the prototype, enabling further testing to refine the hand surgery system. Frimley Health Charity provided the funding. One of the charity’s key fundraising principles is to support research at Frimley Health.

“We know research is at the heart of patient care,” said charity director Andrew House. “We’re so grateful for all the people who support us, from pledging funds to buying one of our lottery tickets. We want them to see they are making a difference in pump-priming research innovation, helping improve future healthcare.”

Anetic Aid Ltd, a leading UK-based designer and manufacturer of hospital equipment, produced the final design. Mark Lee, product manager at Anetic Aid, said part of the brief was making sure the new table was lightweight, as well as quick and simple to use, making it easier for operating staff to set up.

“Matt was looking to bring some efficiency to theatre time and increase the number of surgeries able to be performed during the day,” he said. “It provides good surgical access, in a variety of positions. It’s the perfect solution for high volume, low complexity hand surgery.”

The Gardiner Hand Surgery System is being trialled by other trusts around the country. It could be used worldwide, as Matt has spoken to medical conferences in Australia and Canada, who have expressed interest.

Anetic Aid’s branch in Texas is also very keen to promote it. “Our manager there can see the scope for it becoming popular in the US as well,” added Mark. “There’s nothing else like it on the market.”