New surgery hub opens at hospital

Jayne Hunt was the first patient to undergo treatment in the hub

The first patients to use a new £24m purpose-built treatment hub in Shropshire have praised its facilities which hospital bosses say will reduce waiting times.

The site at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford has four theatres and individual patient pods and is able to conduct planned day surgery.

Nearly 300 adults and children have undergone procedures there since it opened on 10 June, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said.

Dr Steve McKew, deputy medical director, said the hub meant the number of same-day operations can be "significantly increased".

“This is a fantastic investment in our PRH hospital site, and it is brilliant to see the hub open and already making a huge difference for our patients," he said.

“Planned-care services will be provided in the hub all year round, which means we are able to significantly increase the number of same day operations that can take place.

"This is great news for our patients who will have much shorter waits for their treatment.”

Jayne Hunt, the first patient to undergo treatment in the hub, said: “Right from the off, I was well looked after and kept informed.

"It is a great facility and I’m sure that every patient after me will have the same opinion.”

Earlier this year, major hospital transformation plans in Shropshire were given the green light.

Under the plans, the Telford hospital will lose its full accident and emergency unit, with the Royal Shrewsbury becoming the main emergency centre.

Consultant-led women and children's services will also move from Telford to Shrewsbury.

But the Princess Royal Hospital will specialise in planned care for patients, the trust has said.

It has already had an upgraded main entrance and reception area, with improved retail and restaurant facilities.