Thousands of patients to get faster treatment
Almost 3,000 extra procedures a year will be offered to patients thanks to a brand-new procedure room opening at Braintree Community Hospital, doubling its current offer.
The welcoming £1.3 million space is expected to open this summer and means patients across mid and south Essex needing orthopaedic procedures which don’t need to be carried out in a theatre will be seen sooner.
Those needing treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and minor foot, elbow, and upper limb issues, will benefit from the new room.
Ayse Casey, Deputy Director of Operations, Trauma and Orthopaedics at the Trust, said: “The room is a fantastic addition to Braintree Community Hospital, so patients coming to us for a simple procedure can be seen in a better environment.
“The new procedure room will free up our main theatres for more complex surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements, which means it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to care for our patients.”
Work is also underway on Braintree’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) which will be based at the same site.
The centre will offer important diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans, ultrasounds, x-rays, blood tests, and heart and lung checks, helping local residents get quicker diagnoses and the treatment they need, without having to travel as far.