Surgery patients in Worcestershire are set to be seen quicker with the opening of two new purpose-built operating theatres at a hospital in Redditch.

The state-of-the-art theatres were used for the first time at Alexandra Hospital on Monday, September 25 and will be used to treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic and gynaecology patients requiring day case or inpatient surgery.

The new additions will bring the total number of operating theatres at the Alexandra Hospital up to nine.

Consultant anaesthetist and divisional director of the specialised clinical services division at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Jo Marriott, 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.”

Redditch Advertiser: The first operation was performed on Monday, September 25. The first operation was performed on Monday, September 25. (Image: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust)

The new £18 million facilities are part of wider plans by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to develop the hospital as a surgical centre of excellence where a dedicated team of specialist medical and nursing staff will provide care to around 2,300 patients a year once fully operational.

The development, which is linked to the main hospital building, also includes new staff changing facilities and a dedicated theatre recovery space for patients which is due to open in October following a further phase of work.

Redditch Advertiser: The Trust said it hopes the new facilities will help provide care for 2,300 patients a year The Trust said it hopes the new facilities will help provide care for 2,300 patients a year (Image: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust)

Consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon and divisional director for surgery at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Steve Goodyear, 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.”