Time and space are two things that busy theatre nurses are often short of – but a new storage system installed by Cubro at Southland Hospital is helping free up both.
Cubro worked closely with Perioperative Department Acting Associate Charge Nurse Manager, Susan Symon, to design and install a new storage solution for essential theatre consumables and anaesthetic supplies.
Items that were previously stored over three separate areas are now able to be condensed into one space thanks to chrome wire compactor shelving units and ISO modular storage baskets.
“Our staff have found the new system a lot more user-friendly,” Susan says. “They love the fact that when they go to the storeroom, it’s like a one stop shop. You get what you need and can bring it back quickly for setting up in theatre."
“We’ve been able to condense our consumables and systemically store equipment with colour-coded areas which makes it much easier for staff to find what they need.”
Cubro Account Manager, Annette Moffatt, oversaw the project and worked closely with Susan, the hospital’s stores team and key clinicians to understand their needs and problem-solve how the available space could be optimised.
“I designed it all and gave them a few different ideas. I was a nurse myself for over 20 years, so my job is all about looking at the practicalities. Building relationships with the stores team and clinicians was very important – they restock the shelves that the theatre staff take items out of. That flow needs to happen so it’s important everyone was happy with the set up.”
Chrome wire compactor shelving units now run along overhead tracking rails to maximise space between two static end units. Ball-bearing wheels and top guides mean each mobile shelf unit is easy to roll apart or stack closer together, even when heavily loaded.
ISO Modular storage baskets have been added to each shelving unit which can be permanently angled or stored horizontally. Baskets can be pulled out and tilted (up to 5kg) and telescopic rails support loads exceeding 10kg.
The new storage aligns with sterile stock storage standards and ensures a clean and tidy working environment. “Unlike a static shelf, dust can fall through the chrome wire shelves and they’re able to be moved easily because they’re light,” Annette explains. “The ISO modular baskets have also got holes in the bottom of them, so dust doesn’t accumulate on surgical equipment before it goes into the operating theatre.”
The new storeroom is now colour coded into general, laparoscopic, orthopaedic, urology and miscellaneous sterile surgical supplies. “It reduces the time you have to spend searching for something so their storage is now a lot more efficient.”
With four theatres running daily, the challenge of when to install to deliver minimal patient care disruption was a key consideration that required precise planning.
“It’s crucial to manage a change in a functioning operating theatre without causing any major disruptions to patient care,” Annette says. “We worked on a Friday evening and right through the weekend to install the whole thing and help their stores team label everything up. Southland Hospital didn’t have to close any theatres and were ready to operate as normal come Monday.”
Annette knows that clinical change is hard when lots of supplies and equipment needs to be reorganised. “But what I’ve designed works for them. They love it, and the staff are really happy.”
Whatever your storage needs, we'll work with you to create a setup that makes sense for your space. Let's chat.