He pauses when thinking about the environmental ramifications of
sending throwaway cleaning supplies to the landfill, but believes
water consumption related to the laundering of reusable textiles lev-
els the going-green equation to some degree. Mr. Lott can't quantify
the saving associated with using turnover kits, but he says they con-
tribute significantly to his staff's ability to clear a room and ready it
for the next case in about 5 minutes.
No slips or trips
Cherokee Regional just remodeled its ORs, expanding the size of the
suites and adding boom systems. It was a major rehab that helps staff
turn over cases faster than ever before. The booms mean staff "don't
have to push equipment in and out of the rooms and cords no longer
stretch across the floor, which makes moving around easier and safer
as we're cleaning and setting up cases," says Ms. Halverson.
The latest fluid control devices can also help you shave a few min-
utes off of turnovers, especially after particularly messy cases. Mr.
Lott invested in 3 closed-system disposal units, and he's a big fan. "I
would quit and join the Peace Corps if it was taken away from me," he
jokes.
Fluid waste is contained as soon as it leaves the surgical site and
collected in the closed system. It's a self-contained 20 L system with
an additional reservoir on top of the unit, so Mr. Lott's staff suck up
fluid during approximately 15 arthroscopies without emptying it.
When it does need emptying, staff members touch only the system's
handle as it's guided to a direct-to-drain docking station, which sani-
tizes the waste and flushes it into the city's sewer system.
Using the system means floors remain bone-dry during fluid-heavy
procedures, including the numerous orthopedic cases Mr. Lott's facili-
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