The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has announced the opening of a new planned care hub at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, Shropshire, UK.  

This development is set to significantly reduce waiting times for patients requiring various operations. 

The new hub has been developed with an investment of £24m ($31m) secured by SaTH, which operates PRH and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.  

It operates throughout the year and is designed to increase the number of day case operations conducted annually.  

The hub features a separate admissions area, four theatres, individual patient pods, and dedicated modern recovery spaces. 

Services provided at the hub encompass a range of specialities, including gynaecology, upper gastroenterology, vascular, general surgery, ophthalmology, breast, maxillofacial, and ENT. 

Around 300 patients, both adults and children, have already undergone planned procedures at the facility.  

PRH Day Surgery matron Clare Marsh said: “The hub is a wonderful purpose-built facility that provides a modern healthcare environment for our patients coming in for planned day surgery. 

“We strive to ensure that our patients have the best care and hospital experience. We are engaging with our patients daily and asking for their valued feedback so that we can continue to shape and improve the services that we provide. We are so pleased that we have received excellent feedback so far.” 

The hub began construction in November 2022, with the facility aiming to enhance services and shorten the wait for operations for patients from Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales. 

The opening of the planned care hub is a pivotal component of the broader Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP).  

Under the HTP, PRH will focus on planned care while Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will concentrate on emergency care.  

Both sites will continue to provide urgent care services round the clock, with an A&E Local model in place at Telford.