Barn Again - Another Barn Theatre by Howorth Medical July 2007 The concept of barn theatres is relatively new to the UK. A barn theatre is one space in which a number of Ultra-Clean operating tables can function as efficiently next to each other as they would in separate theatres; in other words, a suite of operating theatres without dividing walls. Amongst its many benefits, this is space-saving and can facilitate the sharing of expertise. Clean-air engineers, Howorth Medical, lead the field in this highly specialized style of theatre design. Artist's Impression of the New Theatre Complex When a study on theatre usage showed that Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust needed three additional theatres and more UCV (Ultra-Clean Ventilation) facilities, the hospital responded by commissioning a new £5.5 million theatre complex, currently underway and due for completion early in the new year. The limited building space available led the hospital to decide upon installing a 2-table barn theatre. Salford also wanted enhanced training opportunities, particularly of anaesthetists, to be an inherent element of the new complex. Salford Royal is highly regarded by patients, other NHS Trusts, and independent organisations. The Trust has many nationally and internationally renowned clinicians who are pioneering the latest techniques and treatments, and its reputation has been confirmed by a number of independent organisations: it is the second Trust in England to receive a top accreditation for patient safety and quality from the NHS Litigation Authority it has also been confirmed as the top performing hospital in the North West and among the top 4% in England by the Healthcare Commission. The team had seen, and been impressed by, Howorth Medical's 4-table barn theatre at Broadgreen Hospital and Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, and commissioned the company to provide the full theatre package for the new complex, with full design responsibility. Having also already had the opportunity to visit and test the equipment at Howorth's recently launched showroom, which houses a fully-fitted operating theatre, complete with working UCV systems, the Salford team were able to ensure they were making the best decisions right from the start.
	When it is complete, the barn theatre at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust will facilitate a substantial change in the way the hospital is able to handle orthopaedic surgery. The new complex will be something of which the people of Salford can be justifiably proud, putting the hospital at the forefront of theatre design, and further consolidating Howorth Medical's position as this country's leading exponent of barn theatre design.