The Operating Theatre

The operating theatre is usually very well lit and air conditioned making it slightly cooler. It is a good idea to bring a warm dressing gown and slippers with you.

There is lots of specialist equipment and machinery in the operating theatre and it may appear very busy. However, everyone and everything there has a purpose and is there to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

Lots of people work in theatres including:

• Surgeons
• Surgical Care Practitioners: highly trained nurses who assist with the surgery
• Surgical nurses
• Health care assistants
• Anaesthetists
• Operating Department Practitioners: specially training professionals who assist the Anaesthetist
• Junior Doctors
• Student nurses and doctors