Choosing the right operating table for long-term reliability 

When selecting equipment for a hospital operating theatre, the decision goes far beyond price and performance. The right operating table is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a long-term investment that must support your clinical teams needs and ensure maximum uptime for patient care.  

But how can hospitals make the right choice when budgets are tight, and the pressure for uninterrupted patient care is constant?  

The problem: Short-term solutions create long-term challenges 

In an effort to save money or meet immediate needs, healthcare providers often invest in operating tables that initially appear to be a cost-effective option. However, these decisions can carry hidden risks that only become evident over time when equipment starts to fail.  

Without the right planning and support, these choices lead to long-term issues such as:  

• Limited access to spare parts: Non-standardised tables or imported products often rely on overseas supply chains for replacement parts. This can lead to significant delays and downtime.  

• Complex servicing requirements: Some operating tables require specialist servicing tools or specific technical knowledge. This limits the ability of in-house EBME teams to conduct timely maintenance and increases reliance on external service providers, adding additional costs and delays. 

• Poor integration with existing equipment: Operating theatres are complex environments. Tables that aren’t designed with compatibility in mind can create workflow disruptions or require additional investments in complementary equipment. Integration issues may also limit the flexibility of surgical procedures.  

• Equipment obsolescence:  An often-overlooked risk is how quickly some operating tables become obsolete. Lack of manufacturer support and discontinued parts, and unavailable software updates can cause issues if tables fail, forcing hospitals to reinvest sooner than expected. This challenges procurement budgets and sustainability. 

A long-term approach brings clear operational and strategic benefits which include:  

• Reliable uptime: Tables built for durability and reliability help keep surgical theatres operational with minimal disruption. When equipment is dependable, clinical schedules remain on track and the risk of cancelled procedures is reduced.  

• Simplified maintenance: Operating tables designed for easy servicing and supported by a local technical team ensure predictable and cost-effective maintenance. This relieves the EBME department's pressure and helps ensure full operational capacity. 

• Long-term value: High-quality tables may cost more upfront, but their longevity, low downtime, and reduced service requirements make them more economical over their lifecycle, delivering stronger return on investment.  

The Solution: Bender operating tables  

At Bender, we understand the daily challenges of modern theatre environments. Our range of operating table solutions are designed with the surgeon in mind, supporting the increasing demands of safe and efficient general and specialist surgery.  

By distributing and maintaining innovative operating tables. Bender offers a solution that provides hospitals with access to trusted equipment that integrates smoothly into their existing theatre setup and remains reliable over time. Our focus on long-term reliability gives you peace of mind and allows hospital teams to focus on what matters most: delivering safe, efficient patient care.

Our UK-based support team offers quick, responsive servicing and ongoing maintenance support, backed by local access to spare parts and technical expertise. This ensures high availability and reduces downtime risk.  

For more information about our operating tables, visit:  https://www.bender-uk.com/operating-tables-for-safe-and-reliable-surgery/ 

This article is for informational purposes only. Bender provides the information "as is" without warranty and is not responsible for its accuracy or reliability. No warranties are given regarding its suitability for any specific circumstances.