Work begins on new NNUH ambulatory procedures unit

Work has started on a £2.9m walk-in day procedure unit at NNUH as part of the trust’s building improvement programme.

The project will see cutting edge equipment housed in three neutral pressure treatment rooms, as well as associated support areas to enhance services for ambulatory patients attending for procedures.

NNUH Chief of Surgery, Dr Tim Leary said: “The new unit will bring significant improvements for our patients. A dedicated team will be able to carry out more procedures for patients who need surgical procedures under local anaesthetic.

“Innovative regional anaesthetic and surgical technique will expand the range of procedures that can now be completed safely and comfortably without the requirement for general anaesthesia. Many of these procedures are currently carried out in the main theatre complex, so their completion in a dedicated ambulatory unit will release capacity to treat additional patients requiring more complex procedures.”

There should be minimum disruption for patients visiting the trust for treatment as clinical services will continue during the work.

This project will reduce ongoing operation costs, through best use of existing space alongside a one-off capital investment of £2.9m.

This is also another example of a building project which the NNUH Board has chosen to fast track. It is due to be completed by mid-summer with the first patients due in before the autumn.

Anthony Mutti, Operational Director Surgery, added: “This is an exciting development and really good news for our patients. The development is part of the trust’s goal to be a provider of high quality health and care services to our local population, and to be a leader in the redesign and delivery of health and social care services in Norfolk. ”

Background

Other building projects currently underway include construction of the £6.5m Jenny Lind Hospital paediatric theatres to provide a purpose-built theatre complex for our younger patients up to the age of 16 and a £750k extension to the emergency department to install changing rooms, showers and toilets for staff, which is due to be complete this summer