A project to “urgently” improve theatres at Watford General Hospital is nearing completion.

The £7 million theatre suite reconfiguration includes new recovery rooms and corridors and facilities for staff such as changing rooms and a relaxation room.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says the suite will provide more capacity and will play a major part in easing the backlog of operations and procedures.

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Watford Observer: One of the new bays in Watford General Hospital’s new theatre recovery area. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustOne of the new bays in Watford General Hospital’s new theatre recovery area. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

The next and final step will be the completion of a new additional theatre, taking the total number to five, all equipped with a variety of surgical specialties, including robotic assisted surgery.

The trust recently become the first in the country to welcome two “game-changing”  Versius robots to help with operations such as colorectal and urology surgery, which ultimately reduces pain experienced by a patient.

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Watford Observer: The new robots at Watford General Hospital. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustThe new robots at Watford General Hospital. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

Although the trust plans to build a new hospital next to the current Vicarage Road site, this theatre work was “urgently required” to ensure it met space and ventilation standards.

Theatre manager Jo Laker said: “It is wonderful to see the transformation of our theatre suite take shape. We are thrilled to be able to care for patients in greatly improved surroundings.

“These enhancements will also provide our staff with pleasant, spacious and comfortable surroundings, and will no doubt boost staff morale and wellbeing.”

Watford Observer: Jo Laker, Watford General Hospital’s theatre manager, in one of the new recovery area bays. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustJo Laker, Watford General Hospital’s theatre manager, in one of the new recovery area bays. Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Image: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

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