RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on a new multi-million pound orthopaedic surgery centre planned for Colchester Hospital.

The East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust is inviting the public to a series of consultation events on the proposals next month.

If proposals get the go-ahead the new centre, which will conduct hip and knee operations, and a rebuild of the Turner Road hospital’s day unit will represent £44 million investment in the facility.

The orthopaedic centre will have 48 inpatient beds, up to six specialist operating theatre and could be open by 2024.

Nick Hulme, chief executive of the trust, said: “This proposal gives us an exciting opportunity to further develop our services so that we can continue providing first class care and the best possible experience for everyone living in east Suffolk and north east Essex.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to come along to one of the meetings, share their views and contribute to our discussions about how we can do things better in the future.”

The consultation events taking place are:

  • On March 9 from 2pm to 4pm at Congregational Church, High Street, Wivenhoe
  • On March 11 from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Park Pavillion, in Barrack Lane, Harwich
  • On March 11 from 2pm to 4pm at Coppins Hall Community Centre, Maldon Way, Clacton
  • On March 12 from 6pm to 8pm at YMCA Hall, Williamson House, Magdalen Street, Colchester

The consultation runs until 5pm on April 1, with a final decision to be made in the summer.

Visit esneft.nhs.uk/publicconsultation to find out more.