15/05/2008: Supersize NHS - SIGH features in Times article on obesity

Extract taken from The Times 10/05/08:

Surgical instruments including scissors, graspers (which hold tissue out of the way) and needle-holders for suturing are no longer long enough for keyhole surgery on some obese patients. As a result, UK companies such as Surgical Instruments Group Holdings, which distributes the instruments to the NHS, are providing longer versions. The standard size is 12in, and they cost £700 each, but the new ones measure almost 18in and cost £800 to £900 each. David Peddy, the managing director, says: "Its only a handful of hospitals needing this, but it is going to be increasing in demand."

Operating tables, too, are getting stronger, with Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust having bought ones taking 35st while the new University College Hospital in London has one that takes 47st and costs more than £20,000.


To read the full article click the following link:

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3900883.ece

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