Scanning tech will assist surgeons

THE BARCODE scanning technology is to be used in routine operations for the first time, in a bid to reduce human error.

Next month Plymouth NHS Trust will launch its theatre pilot scheme.

Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has also been using the technology to reduce the number of incorrect orthopaedic transplants.

Patients are given a unique wristband when they enter hospital as well as one to record the equipment used on them.

Each code is scanned to show which staff member administered treatment, at what time and where.

This means parts used in major surgery, such as screws in a knee operation or breast implants, could be easily traced if faults are found years later.

It would reduce the chance of the wrong implant being placed into the patient, such as a left hip joint into a right hip.

In 2016-17 there were

189 cases of “wrong site” surgery in NHS operating theatres.