PLANS to develop a multi-million pound operating theatre complex at the Alexandra Hospital have moved a step closer after a planning application for the scheme was submitted.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are moving forward with plans to build the two-storey purpose-built extension to Redditch’s hospital.
The operating theatre complex will house seven new operating theatres to provide improved clinical space, allowing more flexibility and be better suited to current clinical practices.
This latest development at the Alex follows the opening of the new Breast Imaging Unit earlier this year, the commitment from the Trust to return the Garden Suite and the long-awaited installation of Rory the Robot.
The seven theatres will ultimately replace the six existing theatres at the Alex.
However, this will follow a transitional period where the existing theatre space will be retained between two and three years to aid the reduction of the current waiting list.
The Trust did consider refurbishing the existing theatres, but there would not have been the additional space needed to bring the theatres up to current standards.
Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “I have long said the Alex has a bright future ahead of it and this multi-million investment in our hospital clearly demonstrates that it isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re seeing continued investment in our hospital from the new Breast Imaging Unit to Rory the Robot which will deliver state-of-the-art robot assisted surgery at the Alex.
“I look forward to discussing with the Trust what the existing theatre space will be used for once the transitional period comes to an end.”
Click here to view the planning application.
