Theatres on track for upgrade at Wansbeck General Hospital

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are investing £5.5m to transform 6 operating theatres at their hospital in Ashington.

As part of the trust’s ongoing investment in its facilities across Northumberland and North Tyneside, delivering the highest standards of patient care, this major refurbishment will see the installation of the latest technology as well as space redesign to improve staff and patient flow.

Wansbeck Hospital is a major provider of elective surgery, undertaking around 7,000 operations each year around half of which are orthopaedic procedures. The theatre upgrade will provide more laminar flow theatres which will increase flexibility in accommodating different types of surgery including spinal surgeries.

As well as increased flexibility and reduced waiting times, the works will also improve the environment for staff and patients. Project Director James Almond said: "Our team have worked closely with staff and clinicians to incorporate the latest technology, agree layouts and optimise workflow to ensure that the new facility will deliver the best patient experience and a safer, more efficient working environment, fit for 21st century healthcare demands and leading in the fightback to recovery post-Covid19.”