A new state-of-the-art operating theatre is being installed at Orpington Hospital, which will allow hundreds of additional operations to be performed each year.

The operating theatre and recovery suite,, is earmarked primarily for orthopaedic procedures, and will help reduce waiting times for people who require knee and hip replacement surgery.

The one-storey building, due to open in early 2022, will contain three patient recovery bays and staff changing facilities .

Its floorplan is designed to keep noise transfer from corridors and other rooms to a minimum, reducing disturbance during patient recovery.

Over the next few weeks, the operating theatre will be fitted out with the latest equipment.

The modular building is made from 25 per cent recycled steel and its construction off-site enabled 90 per cent of the waste produced also to be recycled.

Jonathan Lofthouse, Site Chief Executive, said, “The additional operating theatre is a fantastic addition to our services at Orpington Hospital. It will help us tackle waiting lists that have grown during the COVID-19 pandemic so that patients receive the timely care they deserve.

“The additional theatre capacity will benefit people living locally, as well as those living across south east London, who may be referred to Orpington Hospital for treatment.”

Orpington Hospital, which was rated Good during its last CQC inspection, is part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

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