294 Latex Free Theatres (Clinical Impact vs Cost Effectiveness)

Abstract Background Latex allergy creates avoidable clinical, safety and financial challenges in theatres. When protocols—like resting theatres for 20 minutes before use—are not consistently followed, patient safety is compromised, and surgical schedules are delayed. National guidelines advise booking latex-allergic patients first on the list, but real-world adherence is poor. This results in inefficient theatre use, extended turnover times, and potential harm to patients due to inconsistent safety measures Objective To evaluate the clinical and financial impact of current latex-allergy practices and propose a cost-effective, system-wide latex-free theatre model. Method A 12-month retrospective audit of theatre records identified latex-allergic cases and assessed adherence to list-order protocols. Time lost due to theatre resting and its associated costs were calculated using actual per-minute running costs. Benchmarking was performed against national units operating latex-free models. Results Cases were identified where latex-allergic patients were not prioritized, leading to approximately 800 minutes of theatre downtime. At an average cost of £31.09 per minute, this equates to an annual loss of £24,872. Transitioning to a latex-free model is projected to save over £21,000 per year. The existing supply infrastructure supports this change, requiring only procurement scaling rather than systemic overhaul. Conclusions Implementing a latex-free pathway is a high-impact, low-barrier intervention that enhances patient safety and theatre efficiency. With significant cost savings and minimal logistical requirements, this model aligns with national standards and offers a scalable solution to an under-recognized operational gap.