Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, Worcestershire, UK, has opened two new operating theatres to more quickly attend to patients requiring surgery in the region.

With these additions, the total number of theatres at the hospital has touched nine.

The theatres will be used to treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic and gynaecology patients.

The £18m theatres have been launched as part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s plans to develop the hospital as a surgical centre of excellence.

Once fully operational, the theatres will enable the hospital medical staff to provide care to approximately 2,300 patients per year.

The theatres will also feature staff changing facilities and recovery space for patients that are slated to open next month after an additional phase of work.

These theatres are linked to the main hospital building.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Specialised Clinical Services Division consultant anaesthetist and divisional director Dr Jo Marriott said: “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.”

Last year, the hospital launched robot-assisted surgery.

The latest additions expand the range of elective surgical services provided at the hospital.