Scottish Clinicians Attend Surgical Holdings Academy’s First Live Session in Glasgow

Over 60 clinicians from across Scotland gathered for the inaugural Surgical Holdings Academy live session, a free educational day organised by family-run Surgical Holdings. The programme aimed to promote the benefits of repairing surgical instruments as a sustainable alternative to disposal.

Held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Centre in Glasgow, the gathering marked a significant milestone for the Academy, following the success of its online webinars launched earlier this year. Glasgow was chosen as the host city for this first in-person event, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting Scottish hospitals and clinicians.

The day provided valuable learning and networking opportunities for healthcare professionals, with expert-led sessions covering crucial topics such as surgical instrumentation and endoscope care. Attendees explored areas including the basics of surgical instruments, the education and usage of rigid endoscopes, and an overview of flexible endoscopy.

Empowering Healthcare Professionals Through Education
Mark Pullen, Training Manager at Surgical Holdings, expressed his enthusiasm for the Academy’s Glasgow session, highlighting the company’s mission to educate stakeholders on the role of sustainability in healthcare. “We are thrilled to have hosted our first live Academy event in Glasgow,” said Pullen. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many clinicians engage with our vision of extending the life of surgical instruments through repair and maintenance. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to bring this education to more locations across the UK.”

Mark added that bringing the Academy to Scotland allowed the team to reach clinicians while addressing the challenges of reduced training budgets. He emphasised that this marks the beginning of more in-person engagements planned across the UK.

A Focus on Sustainability in Healthcare
In line with the NHS’s net-zero emissions target by 2045, Surgical Holdings is committed to advancing sustainability through a circular economy approach that prioritises the reuse and repair of medical instruments. The Academy’s sessions were designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to extend the lifespan of surgical devices, improving both environmental impact and patient safety.

Mark said: “By embracing a circular economy—prioritising repair, reuse, and recycling—we’re not only reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare but also improving patient safety by maintaining high-quality instruments. Education is key to enabling these practices, and events like this empower clinicians to make a real difference.”

Celebrating 35 Years of Craftsmanship
With a proud 35-year history of manufacturing and repairing surgical instruments for the NHS, Surgical Holdings remains at the forefront of sustainable healthcare practices. The company continues to share its expertise with the sector, promoting education and sustainability to ensure a greener future.

The Glasgow session brought together professionals from sterile services, operating theatres, engineering, and procurement. Whether seasoned experts or newcomers to the field, attendees left with enhanced knowledge, practical skills, and a shared commitment to sustainability in healthcare.

Surgical Holdings extends heartfelt thanks to all participants and looks forward to hosting future programmes that combine education, sustainability, and innovation.

For updates on upcoming initiatives, visit the Surgical Holdings website.