Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH) in Norwich, UK, has inaugurated the Jenny Lind Paediatrics Theatre Complex, a facility designed to enhance paediatric care.

The complex required an investment of around £8.6m ($10.97m) and was officially opened on 9 January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It features a twin paediatric theatre suite and a recovery unit, as well as additional support facilities for staff and patients.

Both paediatric theatres are equipped with audio-visual equipment that was procured using a £160,000 grant provided by Norwich & Norfolk (N&N) Hospitals Charity.

The technology will facilitate training, education, recording, conferencing and digital documentation, as well as improve visual clarity for medical teams during procedures.

The Jenny Lind Paediatrics Theatre Complex also features artwork by Norfolk artist Toby Rampton complemented by narratives from Norfolk storyteller Amanda Smith.

This artwork was also funded using the £160,000 grant from N&N Hospitals Charity.

The complex will be supported by a team that will initially operate five days a week, focusing on orthopaedics and other theatre procedures.

NNUH said the launch of the Jenny Lind Paediatrics Theatre Complex will increase the site's overall existing capacity, as paediatric patients will transition from general theatres to this dedicated space.

Consultant paediatric anaesthetist Dr Amy Greengrass emphasised the importance of sustainability at the new complex.

The team is committed to waste segregation to minimise emissions and plans to utilise cylinders of nitrous oxide to prevent leakages of this potent greenhouse gas.

NNUH CEO Nick Hulme said: “This is a major development for paediatrics at the N&N.

“Not only will this unit provide the very latest equipment, but it will also do so in an environment that is vibrant, engaging and welcoming for our younger patients and supports our ambition to be a leading provider of specialist paediatric care in the East of England.”