A NEW state-of-the-art operating theatre complex at Alexandra Hospital is now complete and has been officially opened.
The £18.8 million complex houses two theatres, staff changing facilities and a dedicated theatre recovery space for patients.
The facilities in the purpose-built extension to the Redditch hospital will be used to treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic and gynaecology patients requiring day case or inpatient surgery.
The development, which is linked to the main hospital building, will allow a dedicated team of specialist medical and nursing staff to provide care to around 2,300 patients a year, once fully operational.
This is one of several recent investments in the Alex which also includes a £3.9 million expansion of endoscopy services, a brand-new Breast Imaging Unit, state-of-the-art robot-assisted surgery and the return of the Garden Suite.
The new theatres were used for the first time in September but work has now been completed on the rest of the development which includes staff changing and rest areas, as well as the installation of new artwork.
The completion of the work provided an opportunity for Redditch MP, Rachel Maclean to take a tour of the unit with staff and cut a ribbon to mark its full opening.
Mrs Maclean said: “Thousands of patients will receive treatment and care as a result of this investment, helping to tackle the Covid backlogs which is a top priority for this Government.
“I will continue to secure more investment in the Alex and continue the fight to return a maternity and children’s service to our hospital.”
Dr Jo Marriott, consultant anaesthetist and divisional director of the Specialised Clinical Services Division at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “These facilities 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. The improved facilities, and the added artwork, will undoubtedly result in improved patient experience, efficiency, and staff morale.”
To help create a calming environment for patients waiting or recovering from surgery, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity funded bespoke floor-to-ceiling artwork throughout the new complex.
Featuring a woodland backdrop, it has been specially designed for use in clinical settings and follows similar art installations at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Sophie Burt, head of fundraising and community development at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to expand our programme of artwork and support this brilliant new installation at the Alexandra Hospital.
"We know that improving the hospital environment has many benefits for both our patients and staff by creating a more relaxing and calm environment for everyone.”
“As a charity, all the work we do is supported by donations from our local community. We are so grateful for the support we receive from patients and families as well as community groups and local businesses. This support really does make such a huge difference across our hospitals.”
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity’s 2023 Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise £20,000 to fund 20-day beds to provide extra comfort and rest for the families of palliative care patients at both the Alexandra and Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
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