A well-designed Theatre Store plays a critical role in efficiency, cost control, and patient safety. When stock is correctly organised and rotated, hospitals can reduce waste, free up space, and avoid issues such as expired products – a recent audit even found items more than five years past their use-by date.
Designing an Effective Theatre Store
An efficient Theatre Store typically combines multiple shelving systems to accommodate everything from small consumables to bulky equipment. When designing the space, it’s important to consider the different pack sizes and stock types and the storage needs of mobile bedside medical equipment when not in use. The location and function of Operating Theatres should also be carefully aligned with the available storeroom space to support staff movement patterns and efficient workflows. In addition, allowance should be made for increased stock levels during holiday periods, as well as storage for any redundant or spare mobile bedside equipment.
Why Choose HTM71 Storage Systems?
HTM71 storage systems provide many advantages as the systems would provide around 80% of the Theatre Store components.
- Dense, space-efficient and ergonomic storage
- Modular designs with accessories for different product sizes
- Options for heavy items, loose stock, and clear labelling systems including colour coding options
- Options for mobile configurations with castors or mobile base carriages
Storage Options for Every Requirement
Theatre Stores often use a mix of shelving solutions to suit different stock types and environments:
HTM71 Tall Cabinets – Ideal for small to medium consumables, boxed items, prosthetics and sterile dressings. Enclosed on three sides for cleanliness and available in mobile formats.
HTM71 Open Frame Systems – Similar flexibility to cabinets, with options for longer span shelving, though less favoured for infection control.
Tubular Solid Shelving – A smooth, snag-free option ideal for sterile theatre packs.
Tubular Wire Shelving – An economical, mobile solution with good air circulation, best suited for non-sterile items.
Premium Plastic Panel Systems – Easy-clean, high-load shelving with removable panels and excellent airflow and ideal for sterile packs.
Delta Edge Shelving – A versatile general-purpose system often used in pharmacy and dense mobile storage systems.
Longspan Shelving – Designed for bulky boxes and heavy loads, with both standard and heavy-duty options available.
A Smarter Approach to Theatre Storage
Choosing the right combination of shelving systems ensures better stock control, improved hygiene, efficient use of space, and long-term flexibility. A thoughtfully planned Theatre Store not only supports clinical teams but also delivers measurable savings over time.