1.
just a routine operation
using the power of
film to help change
practice in NHS
operating theatres
Film can bring emotional immediacy to any subject. But coupled
with the story of one man’s loss and the mistakes that led to it,
it has the ability to effect real change. Read on to find out how
thinkpublic are harnessing the power of film...
social innovation and design

2.
Martin Bromiley is an airline pilot. In 2005 he lost
his wife Elaine after serious errors complicated
what should have been routine surgery. Using
his experience in aviation, where pilots routinely
anticipate human factors when managing risk,
Martin has sought to introduce the “human
factors” approach to patient safety. He has given
presentations about his experience to clinicians,
managers and patients across the country.
In 2007, the NHS Institute for Innovation and
Improvement approached thinkpublic to turn
Martin’s presentation into a short film aimed at
clinicians. The film, “Just a Routine Operation”,
uses real doctors and anaesthetists to reconstruct
in detail the events that led to Elaine’s death,
placing its viewers in the scene and challenging
them to think whether they would have behaved
differently. It contrasts procedures in the operating
theatre with procedures in the cockpit, underlining
the difference in approaches to risk. And it brings
Martin’s loss closer, quietly showing the effect of
Elaine’s death on Martin and his family.
Martin’s presentation was powerful in itself. But
“Just a Routine Operation” has added emotional
immediacy to Martin’s message using the power
of film. The film has been requested and used by
clinicians in the NHS and worldwide.
To view the film visit www.vimeo.com/970665
The film contrasts
procedures in the
operating theatre with
procedures in the
cockpit, underlining
the difference in
approaches to risk.

3.
find out more:
To find out how thinkpublic View the film online:
can help you to improve www.vimeo.com/970665
patient safety contact:
thinkpublic
5 Calvert Avenue
London E2 7JP
+44 (0) 207 033 9978
deborah.szebeko@thinkpublic.com
www.thinkpublic.com