New £1.3m procedure room frees up theatre space

Zoe Moore was the first patient to benefit from the new room and had carpal tunnel surgery at the hospital

A trust has pledged to cut waiting times for patients after an £1.3m upgrade to a procedure room.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said the new room at Braintree Community Hospital would see up to 3,000 procedures a year carried out, taking the pressure off main operating theatres.

It will be used for minor foot, elbow and upper limb treatments, freeing up theatres for "more complex surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements".

Ayse Casey, deputy director of operations, trauma and orthopaedics at the trust, said the room was a "fantastic addition" to the hospital, and meant "patients coming to us for a simple procedure can be seen in a more appropriate environment".

She said: "This will help reduce waiting times and improve access to care for our patients."

Patients can also use the room for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger.

Zoe Moore, from Stifford Clays in Grays, was the first patient to benefit from the new room after undergoing carpal tunnel surgery at the hospital.

Ms Moore runs her own cleaning business and has been waiting some time for treatment.

She said: "It was all very quick. The ladies in the theatre were very calming and it only took about 20 minutes.

"It was a really lovely and calm atmosphere, the head of the team was so reassuring.

"I noticed the difference straight away. I'm really happy with the result and I have no more carpal tunnel pain, it will make a huge difference especially as I rely on my hands for my job."