Survey of operating theatres in Great Britain and Ireland

A survey of operating theatres in Great Britain and Ireland by postal questionnaire was undertaken to determine the number of non-ventilated theatres in use, the number of designated theatres for specialist surgery and how and when bacterial sampling is conducted. Replies were received from 147 centres covering 438 operating theatre suites. Eighty-seven (59%) centres contained three or fewer suites and only 32% did not have a designated theatre for any specialist surgery. One hundred and seventy-three (40%) theatre suites were built over 20 years ago and 28 non-ventilated theatres were identified, mainly used for minor surgery (e.g. removal of 'lumps'). Four percent of plenum and 9% of ultraclean theatres are never monitored bacteriologically and settle plates are used in 72 (49%) centres. This survey suggests there is some confusion over the indications for bacteriological monitoring and what constitutes acceptable standards. The use of non-ventilated theatres, except for the most minor of procedures, is of some concern and should be phased out.