On the construction of operating theatres : with a description of the operating theatre of the new Glasgow Cancer Hospital / by George Thomas Beatson.

  • Beatson, George Thomas, 1848-1933.
Date:
1897
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the construction of operating theatres : with a description of the operating theatre of the new Glasgow Cancer Hospital / by George Thomas Beatson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    varied, while if a light is wanted low down, say on the operating table, there is a movable lamp which can be put in connection with the central electrolier by removing temporarily one of the lamps. In addition, at several points in the walls, plugs are provided for furnishing side lights if they are required. The question of having an apparatus stretching across the top of the the theatre, by which the central electrolier could be moved from side to side of the theatre, was considered, but not carried out, as it was thought that it would probably get out of order, and might possibly collect dust. As the operating table invariably stands in the centre of the theatre, the absence of such an apparatus is not felt very much, the attachable lamp being always available. Two accessory rooms are attached to the theatre. One, a small one, contains a large steam steriliser for sterilising dressings, towels, sheets, and operating aprons. It is heated by gas, and has so far given every satisfaction. When the apparatus is opened to allow of the enclosed dressings being dried, an escape of steam takes place, and to get rid of this the room is provided with a special ventilating shaft surmounted by a Boyle’s patent ventilator. In this room can also be stored dressings and other materials. The second room is larger than the other and is opposite to the theatre. Its walls and ceilings are of adamant plaster coated with enamel paint, but its floor is of polished pine. It is heated by a radiator, is also furnished with an open fire- place, and has in it the electric light. It is of such dimensions that two beds can be placed in it comfortably. It can be used for the administration of the anaisthetic previous to the operation, and for placiug patients in it immediately afterwards, while, should the necessity arise, it can be made available as a second operating room. The furnishings of the operating theatre are entirely of white enamelled iron, and were supplied by the Argyle Rubber Co., of 17 Renfield Street, Glasgow. This material was decided on when I found that my own personal experience of it, though limited, was confirmed by several of the leading instrument makers. It requires, no doubt, from time to time touching up, but so does every other materia], while it has the recommendations of being moderate in cost and of looking well. In drawing up the list of what was needed, I went on the principles that there should be nothing in the theatre save what