Lucknow: To minimise the risk of hospital-borne infections during surgical procedures, SGPGI undertook a specialised training programme for operating theatre (OT) staff at the apex trauma centre here on Saturday.Medical experts warned that even minor lapses in OT protocols can increase the risk of post-surgical infections by 30-40%, while improper handling of instruments may result in complications in nearly one out of four patients. They added that in emergency situations the absence of adequately trained OT personnel can slow response time by up to 50%, significantly affecting patient outcomes.
The training programme, organised by the orthopaedics department of the apex trauma centre, focused on strengthening surgical safety, improving OT efficiency, and enhancing coordination among surgical teams. The programme was led by the head of orthopaedics department, Dr Pulak Sharma, who said that surgical success depends not only on the skill of the surgeon but also on the competence of OT personnel. “OT staff are the silent guardians of surgery. Ensuring a sterile environment, timely availability of instruments, and patient safety are their core responsibilities,” he said.Experts also highlighted that incorrect patient positioning can raise the risk of nerve injuries, pressure sores, and prolonged pain by 15-20%.
