HEALTH bosses say “work is well underway” on the construction of the new elective orthopaedic centre at Colchester Hospital.
The site, which will have eight theatres and three wards, will be dedicated to patients requiring non-urgent surgical procedures for bones, joints and muscles.
It is hoped waiting lists for routine hip and knee replacement surgery and revisions will be slashed as a result of the extra provision.
The centre, which will be housed in the soon-to-be-completed Dame Clare Marx Building, will also reduce the risk of elective surgeries being cancelled due to other pressures.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has also stated it is reviewing how care will be delivered in the centre to allow patients to make fewer trips to hospital before their surgery.
“Additional funding for the centre has recently been granted to fit out an extra ward and build two more theatres, bringing the total to eight theatres and three wards,” added a trust spokeswoman.
To facilitate the works, a busy footpath linking Northern Approach Road to the rear of the hospital site was closed yesterday and a short diversion put in place.
From next Wednesday, the diversion route will be extended when the footpath outside the Elmstead Day Unit is closed as part of the ongoing construction work.
Vehicle access will remain open for drop-offs and pick-ups outside the day unit while the pathway remains shut.
Dr Shane Gordon, the hospital trust’s director of strategy, research and innovation, apologised for any inconvenience caused
“We appreciate these are well-used routes for our patients, visitors, and staff. However, the closure of the footpaths is necessary for the building work to continue safely.
“These new facilities will bring enormous benefits to the communities we serve.
“We sincerely apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during the footpath closures and ongoing construction of our new elective orthopaedic centre.”
The trust added blue arrows will be painted along the longer diversion route to help direct people to where they need to go.
In a statement, ESNEFT offered its own apology for the delays.
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