TWO new purpose-built operating theatres have opened at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
The state-of-the-art theatres are part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s wider plans to develop the Alexandra Hospital as a surgical centre of excellence.
The facilities will be used to treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic and gynaecology patients requiring day case or inpatient surgery and bring the total number of theatres at the Alexandra Hospital to nine.
The development also includes staff changing facilities and a dedicated theatre recovery space for patients which is due to open in October following a further phase of work.
Dr Jo Marriott, consultant anaesthetist and divisional director said: “These facilities will bring much-needed increased theatre capacity.
“This means that we can see more patients a year resulting in improved access and reduced waiting times for all patients across Worcestershire and beyond.
“The development also ensures we have theatre accommodation that is fit for purpose in the future. This will undoubtedly result in improved patient experience, efficiency and staff morale.”
The majority of the new accommodation is at ground floor level which includes two new operating theatres with associated accommodation including recovery areas, offices and staff facilities.
Steve Goodyear, consultant surgeon said: “The launch of this new service is a key part in our vision of the Alexandra Hospital becoming a surgical centre of excellence.
“It’s a vital part of our plans for the future of our services and our hospitals, and a further demonstration of our commitment to providing the best quality and experience of care and outcomes for our patients.”
Redditch MP, Rachel Maclean has welcomed the new theatres.
She said: “I was able to visit the Alex whilst the theatres were under construction, and it was impressive to see the purpose-built extension to the hospital and how the Alex is still able to grow.
“Huge progress has already been made in tackling the elective care backlogs. The new operating theatre complex will help to tackle the backlogs even further and ensure patients receive their treatment more quickly.”
