“The cardiac unit at Derriford Hospital, the biggest hospital in the South West, is one of the most modern in Britain. It is equipped with three up-to-date operating tables costing about £50,000 each. | The tops of the tables slide on to the electronically operated base so that the patient does not need to be lifted onto a trolley after surgery. The operation was taking place last Thursday when the top of the operating table became detached. The woman, who has not been named, was ‘jolted forward’ as it slipped.” —Heart Patient Dies After Operating Table CollapsesThe Times)

This table was designed to reduce stress on the patient after the operation is over. A malfunction during the operation had fatal results. Very sad.