The Operating Theatre Journal - Flipbook - Page 14
Surgical Holdings celebrates
its 35th anniversary
The Surgical Holdings team
Surgical Holdings, a family run manufacturer and repairer of surgical
instruments with a core focus on sustainability, has celebrated its 35th
anniversary.
Employees from across the Southend-on-Sea company put down their
tools to enjoy the sunshine and mark the impressive three and half
decade milestone.
The company, who last year repaired over 11000 surgical instruments
helping the NHS to be more sustainable, was originally founded in 1988.
Founder Philip Coole says he was inspired by his father Fred Coole
who also had a passion for 昀椀nely crafted surgical instruments and a
commitment for excellence.
Philip explains: “My journey in the world of surgical instruments began
as an apprentice, learning the tricks of the trade from my father.
The roots of our family’s involvement in this fascinating 昀椀eld can be
traced back to the early 1940s when my dad started his own ophthalmic
business, before joining Macarthy Medical in the 60s – so our knowledge
actually stretches back across four generations!”
After learning the tricks of the trade, Philip eventually went on to set
up a small workshop, where he dedicated seven years to repairing a
wide range of both surgical and non-surgical instruments – a journey
that led him to establish Surgical Holdings in 1988.
Left to Right - Daniel Coole, Managing Director with his father and
founder Philip Coole
Philip explains: “As my family moved on and I was handed over the reins
running the workshop, it was a chance to step into the 昀椀eld, visiting
hospitals and seeing operations, which afforded some amazing 昀椀rsthand
insights into the intricate world of surgical instruments. I developed
a real passion for working in the NHS and how surgical instruments
should be made, how they should be used - and why quality is just so
important.”
In 1990 the business moved into its current premises on Parkside Centre
– where Philip was joined by colleagues from McCarthy Medical, and
between them, they had the expertise to cover all aspects of Surgical
Instrument repair.
Today Surgical Holdings is a credible and well-established business,
with a global reputation for the highest standard of craftsmanship and
lasting value.
Philip Coole remains as Chairman, with his son Daniel as Managing
Director – a role he took in 1995 after an apprenticeship. Today the
company are working in partnership with South East Essex College to
run an active apprenticeship scheme to ensure their skills and expertise
are passed down to the next generation.
All repairs are carried out by a team of highly skilled technicians, who
are trained in both manufacture and repair. The company is passionate
about what they do and are keen to pass on that wealth of knowledge,
believing it is important to educate and train others to help them get
the most out of each surgical instrument, so they last for many years.
Philip added: “It’s been wonderful to see our company grow in the past
35 years, and as we celebrate over three decades of progress, I want
to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team at Surgical
Holdings, to our loyal customers, and to all those who have supported
us over the years. Your trust in our expertise and commitment to
quality has been the driving force behind our 35-year journey. Here’s
to many more years of innovation, dedication and excellence!”
Workshop
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For more information, visit: https://www.surgicalholdings.co.uk/
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