There have been many new developments and changes in operation theatre methods and surgical techniques over the years. With these changes, it is necessary to develop and redesign hospital furniture and equipment. Hospital furniture is an area in which there is a lot of scope for development. The functional and user requirements in hospitals are unique. There is a need to create a particular designed environment in various hospital areas, e.g. An operation theatre requires a sterile environment. These special needs make design more complex.

A survey of the large hospitals in Bombay was taken, followed by discussions with surgeons and nurses. This threw light on their problems. The list of hospital equipment and furniture where the need for redesign is felt is endless. It was found that hospital trolleys form quite an important part of hospital furniture. The existing designs of trolleys leave a lot to be desired. It was decided to study hospital trolleys in general and take up the development and design of instrument trolleys used within the operating theatre.