New lecture theatre opens at university hospital

Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins and Kevin Lafferty cut the ribbon to offically open the new theatre

A new and improved lecture theatre has been opened within an Essex hospital.

The Kevin Lafferty Theatre at Basildon Hospital in Essex was named after a former consultant general surgeon, who was on hand to help cut the ribbon.

Mr Lafferty funded the original theatre alongside his colleagues and it is hoped the new lecture room will help improve staff training and enhance patient care.

The theatre is set to be used as a place where staff can come together to share knowledge and improve medical practices.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I’m pleased we’ve been able to invest in improving our training and development facilities, which will only lead to improved patient care.”

The new space has a new audio-visual system including a Bluetooth hearing loop which offers trainees additional support.

Mr Lafferty said: "It’s great to see the old lecture theatre back in action and I’m really glad that I was invited to open it.

"The theatre looks really good, and I am honoured that it is named after me.”

Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830