How can Halsted’s Principles help me improve my surgical skills? Conceived in the late 19th century, Halsted’s Principles are as relevant for us in our surgeries today as they were then. Their central axiom is all about promoting wound healing; this seminar outlines some simple guidelines for incorporating the kind of tissue sympathy in our surgical technique that favours optimal wound healing.

Maximising the use of a scrubbed assistant in surgery: A scrubbed assistant benefits everyone involved in a surgical procedure, including the patient. As nurses we have a key role and need to understand how to support the surgical team. Developing our skills under schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, also helps with our career progression and job satisfaction. It must be remembered though that all surgical procedures, however minor, have associated risk to the patient. This means it is important that nurses are fully trained and competent at performing surgical skills and understand the legality and limitations within their professional remit.