TheatrePracticeStandardsGeneric1

Generic Theatre Standard No 15 - WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Standard: Application of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) in all operating departments.
Standard Statement: All operative procedures performed in trust operating theatres will have the
correct and full application of the WHO SSC process completed and documented by the theatre
team.
Method:
1. List Briefing
• Prior to the commencement of the operating list – participation by the full theatre
team allocated to the operating list
• Staff must introduce themselves to each other by name and role. This information
will be recorded on a visible wipe clean board.
• Any changes to the published Galaxy list must be discussed.
• Any issues related to the organization of the list must be discussed e.g. staffing,
wards, recovery, beds, radiology.
2. WHO Surgical Safety Checklist Theatre and all other General Anaesthetic activity
(See Appendix 4)
• Every Patient should have a completed Pre-Op Assessment and Pre-Op Checklist
as part of the perioperative document prior to transfer to theatre, cataract patients
will utilise the cataract perioperative pathway document.
• Every Patient will have a copy of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
• All steps will be read out loud though steps relating to aspiration/airway risks and
blood loss may be treated with discretion.
• “Silent cockpit” principles should be adopted during all steps, all team members
must show respect for the process, be present and fully participate in all steps of
the check procedure.
• It is the responsibility of the senior operating surgeon and the practitioner in charge
of the operating theatre to ensure that the WHO SSC process is completed
accurately and diligently.
3. Sign In – Before Induction of Anaesthesia
• If the senior surgeon has not seen the patient on the ward they must be present at
‘Sign In’. If the senior surgeon has seen the patient it is up to their discretion as to
whether they are present for ‘Sign In’.
• The team will verbally confirm out loud all points detailed on the sign in section of
the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. Discretion may be used for questions relating
to airway/aspiration risk and blood loss.
• The registered practitioner/delegated person will clearly mark the checklist in the
appropriate place to confirm the check has taken place.
• On completion the registered practitioner will clearly print their name and Sign to
confirm completion of the sign in check.
• The registered practitioner/delegated person will confirm that the correct patient
details are completed on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (a patient identity
label may be used).
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