UK operating theatre practitioners seek regulation

Measures to increase the regulation of the United Kingdom's 8000 operating theatre practitioners were introduced in a 10 minute rule bill due to be read in the House of Commons as the BMJwent to press.

The bill highlighted what were described as “the on-going risks to patients created by the lack of statutory registration and regulation.” The Association of Operating Department Practitioners, which currently operates a voluntary register, has been trying for more than 10 years to get formal regulation introduced …