Charnley Theatre Suit
Date1990-2003
Object NameSuit
MediumPlastic. cotton, metal
ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare
Dimensions4.6 x 10.4cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2004 by Mr G P Ashcroft.
LocationView by Appointment
Object numberABDMS069476.1
About MeHip replacement surgery is serious. It involves radical surgery, opening not only soft tissue but also bone. It is imperative that both remain free of infection, particularly bone. One way of achieving this is to have a sterile working area and put a barrier between the patient and operating staff. The Charnley suit (named after John Charnley) was a response to this need. Its space-age appearance, supplied with its own air system, gives some hint at how important keeping infection at bay is. Today operations are carried out at theatres in Woodend Hospital which have pressurised controlled air flow, this ensures that only filtered air enters the operating area. Protective suits are now designed to prevent two-way contamination that is, they not only keep the patient safe but also operating staff who might be open to infection from a patient who carried, for example, hepatitis.possibly 1950-1960
