Digital Imaging: Many Operating Rooms now utilize digital images as well as X-ray film mounted on film illuminators. High quality
digital images (including those generated on cat-scan and ultrasound machines can be viewed instantly on a CRT or boom mounted
plasma screen within the sterile field of the Operating Room. This means that the surgeon does not have to leave the sterile field.
Orderly: The orderly is responsible for transporting patients to the Surgical Suite from other parts of the hospital. When a patient is
very heavy, the orderly might assist in transferring the patient from the transporting gurney to the operating room table. The orderly
also helps in moving equipment in and out of the Operating Room before the patient is brought into the room.
Charge Nurse: The charge nurse supervises all activities that occur within the individual Operating Rooms. The charge nurse is also
available to temporarily replace the scrub nurse during long operations. The office of the charge nurse may be located within the
clean core.
Nurse Manager: This nurse is the administrative supervisor of the entire Operating Room Suite. She/he is responsible for maintaining
the scheduling of patients for operations, as well as purchasing and maintaining supplies and equipment for use in the Operating
Room Suite. The office of the nurse manager is located inside the Surgical Suite.
Surgical Room Pathologist: The surgical pathologist does not function within the clean core area or within the individual Operating
Rooms. Tissue specimens removed from a patient are sent to the surgical pathologist, who prepares and examines the tissue in a
frozen section laboratory within Pathology. The pathologist then electronically communicates his/her findings to the surgeon.
Consultant: If the operating surgeon desires a consultation for a patient under anesthesia or during the operation, he/she may
request that a consultant come to the Operating Room to examine the patient. In most instances, the individual consulted is an
internist or cardiologist. This individual usually does not work within the sterile field but examines the physiologic data regarding the
patient and presents his advice regarding additional appropriate treatment.
Visitors / Technical Support: In most hospitals affiliated with a Medical School, visitors may be invited into the Operating Room to
view a particular type of operative procedure. Technical support personnel may be invited into the Operating Room to consult on the
use of specialized equipment. In all cases, the patient must have given prior consent to the presence of these non-surgical staff in
order to maintain patient privacy and follow HIPAA regulations. These individuals must be appropriately attired. They also wear head
covering and shoe covers, but not necessary gloves, since they do not work within the sterile field. It is the circulator's responsibility
to monitor the visitors and technical support personnel activities.
Design Guide - Surgical Service
Narrative
Guide Plate:
2f
Page 6 of 14
Date: August 2005
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