Royston's got the latest as surgery goes digital

MARIA PRIESTLEY Royston Hospital's new operating theatre is the most advanced in Australasia, according to leading medical equipment supplier Stryker.
Stryker, which has been developing and installing Integrated Operating Theatres since 1992, worked with the Hastings hospital in developing its third operating theatre - a fully digital operating theatre or "I-Suite".
Royston Hospital's I-Suite was the first operating theatre in New Zealand and Australasia to go fully digital, I-Suite and Endoscopy sales manager for Stryker Chris Elliot said.
"The Royston I-Suite is the most advanced operating theatre of its kind to be installed in the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Elliot said.
The High Definition digital medical video technology integrates a system with components such as cameras, monitors and digital recording systems, Mr Elliot said.
"These are all controlled from a touch screen and also a voice-activation system called Sidne. The nurses and surgeons get audible feedback from Sidne regarding the function of the equipment they are using, and the design of the theatre reduces fatigue of the medical personnel working in it," Mr Elliot said.
The system would generate a greater depth of view and ease of access to images, allowing the surgeon to perform the manoeuvres more naturally and quickly.
"The technology improves the effectiveness, safety and visibility of the procedure. The features improve the efficiency of the operative team and reduces the operative time," Mr Elliot said.
"One of the biggest benefits is that the patient spends less time in the theatre under anaesthesia, which means they will recover faster from the surgery."
The theatre was now serving as a model for the future for operating theatres in New Zealand, he said.
"It's fabulous news for Royston and for the people of Hawke's Bay."
Royston General Manager Andrew Blair said he was proud to provide the latest technology available for the benefit of Royston Hospital's patients and staff.
"It is important we maintain the Royston tradition of being at the forefront of facility design and technology," Mr Blair said.
The extra operating space meant the hospital was now in a position to offer new specialists in Hawke's Bay access to their operating theatres, he said.
"It will also give us a greater capacity to assist the District Health Board, which will be beneficial for the public of Hawke's Bay."
Demand for services at Royston had increased so much recently that the existing hospital facilities were operating at near maximum capacity.
"The board of Royston Hospital took the decision to increase capacity with the construction of a new operating theatre but also importantly took the opportunity to embrace the latest available medical technology."
The new operating theatre is part of further ongoing expansion at Royston Hospital.
"In addition to the third operating theatre, we have taken the opportunity to expand our endoscopy suite, build a new sterile supply area and upgrade staff and specialist facilities."
Other expansions include extending the Royston Specialist Centre to provide for additional specialist consulting rooms and an expanded radiology service, Mr Blair said.
Royston is planning an open day later this year to allow the public to view the new operating theatre.