Two new state-of-the-art modular operating theatres and supporting accommodations at The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch had their first patients in for surgery in September 2023.
Bringing the total number of operating theatres at the site up to nine will significantly impact Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust's patient care.
The department will treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic, and gynaecology patients requiring day cases or inpatient procedures, helping the Trust in its more comprehensive Clinical Services Strategy to make the Alexandra Hospital a centre of excellence for planned elective surgery.
The extension allows them to deliver planned care for patients on waiting lists, which have grown during the pandemic. With the existing theatre capacity only able to see 700 patients per month, through PHd's assistance, the clinical team will be able to provide care for an additional 2,400 patients a year.
The development, which links to the main hospital building via a new circulation core, also includes new staff changing facilities and a dedicated theatre recovery space for patients. The modular theatres were built off-site and installed, becoming fully operational over two phases.
The main challenge to this project was the tight timescale within which both the design and construction needed to be completed in line with the conditions set out for the Client receiving the funding. This led to procurement via a Design and Build contract.
A number of feasibility options had been drafted mid-2022, before the decision to take a hybrid approach and combine off-site modular theatres with a steel frame traditional build, clad to match the modular elements, for the supporting accommodation, which included 4 recovery bays and staff changing facilities as well as storage.
“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.”
"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."
