Q&A with Surgical Holdings’ Quality Manager: Introducing the New Hip Range of Instruments

At Surgical Holdings, we are excited to introduce our new range of hip surgery instruments, crafted with the expertise and precision that has defined our company for decades. To give you a deeper understanding of what makes this range unique, we sat down with our Quality Manager Julie Woods to discuss the key features, manufacturing excellence, and the customer-focused approach that underpin this exciting addition to our orthopaedic offerings.

Can you provide an overview of the new hip range of instruments that Surgical Holdings has introduced?
Our new hip range of instruments builds on the popularity of our existing products used in hip surgery. Given our increasing focus on orthopaedics, we felt it was time to dedicate a catalogue specifically to these instruments. This range reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable tools for surgical teams across the country.

What sets your hip instruments apart from others on the market?
Two key aspects set our hip instruments apart: UK manufacturing and the extensive range we offer. We take pride in our retractors, which cater to a variety of different patterns preferred by surgical teams across the UK. Our focus on local production and diverse options makes our range unique in the market.

How do you tailor the hip surgery sets to meet the specific needs of different surgical teams?
We tailor our hip surgery sets by replicating the instruments that surgical teams are accustomed to using. As a manufacturer, we have the ability to reproduce older designs that are no longer available, which brings us great satisfaction. This allows us to meet the specific preferences of different teams while maintaining familiarity and comfort in their surgical tools.

What were the key considerations in designing and manufacturing these new hip instruments?
We didn’t design these instruments from scratch; in many cases, we are replicating well-established designs. Our primary considerations were selecting the right materials in line with international standards, meeting customer timescales, and ensuring compliance with UKCA and CE regulatory standards.

With decades of experience in your workshop, how has Surgical Holdings ensured continued excellence in instrument manufacturing?
The only way we’ve been able to maintain our standards is by training in-house and passing on skills to the next generation through apprenticeships. All of our senior managers have come through our apprenticeship programme, which has helped us preserve and build upon our expertise.

Can you explain the quality control processes in place for these new hip instruments?
We’re accredited to ISO 13485, which sets out the processes and procedures we must follow to manufacture these devices. Depending on the specific instrument, we employ specialised manufacturing techniques, and every product undergoes thorough inspection and passivation to ensure it meets the highest quality standards.

How does your team’s extensive training and expertise contribute to the quality of the instruments?
Our team’s skills and expertise are fundamental to our ability to manufacture these devices. Without their knowledge and experience, many of these instruments and patterns could become obsolete. Their dedication ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality products that meet our customers’ needs.

What materials are used in the manufacturing of these instruments, and why were they chosen?
We use stainless steel in accordance with ISO 7153, the international standard for surgical instruments. This ensures that the instruments are fit for purpose and also allows for effective repair and maintenance.

What kind of support do you offer to customers who use your hip instruments?
We begin by consulting with our customers to identify the specific instruments they require and produce drawings to replicate them accurately. When manufacturing complete sets, we collaborate with sterile services teams to commission the sets and prepare them for surgery as quickly as possible.

Can you describe the training and educational opportunities available for surgical teams using these instruments?
Our educational opportunities are constantly evolving. Currently, we offer five CPD-accredited webinars covering surgical instruments and endoscopes, with more being added regularly. We also have our first live event scheduled for November. Our aim is to bridge knowledge gaps, giving hospital teams the confidence and awareness they need to ensure their equipment lasts longer and is always ready for patient care.

How does Surgical Holdings stay ahead of industry trends and advancements in medical instrumentation?
We stay ahead by maintaining open communication with our customers and listening to their needs. As a smaller business with around 60 employees, we have the agility to respond quickly and effectively. We also utilise social media to engage with our stakeholders and keep ourselves informed about market trends.

What feedback have you received from customers about the new hip range, and how has it influenced your product development?
In our industry, no news is often good news! The feedback we have received has been positive, with many customers asking for more information and requesting example sets to see for themselves.

What are you doing to safeguard the Surgical Holdings instrument ranges for meeting the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR)?
International markets are a major focus for us. We are already certified under the Medical Device Directive for our sterile Kirschner wires, and we have successfully applied for MDR certification for both our Kirschner wire and our reusable surgical instrument ranges. We are now awaiting our initial assessments. Over the past few years, we have been diligently preparing and aligning our quality system and Technical File documentation with both UK MDR and EU MDR standards. We’ve also launched our first international catalogue to support our global partners further. We look forward to offering our customers a fully EU MDR-certified product range, including our new hip surgery instruments, in the near future.