It is such great news that our patients are to benefit from thousands more operations when the new Planned Care Hub opens at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford this summer.
The hub is really starting to take shape and will provide a dedicated unit for our patients awaiting surgery, 52 weeks of the year.
We are excited to welcome our first patients in June to this new £24 million facility, which will have four modern operating theatres and additional recovery beds.
Patients will benefit from much shorter waiting times and an improved, high quality healthcare environment in which to receive their care.
The hub will support day case procedures across a range of specialities including ear, nose and throat, maxillofacial, gynaecology, breast, orthopaedics and general surgery.
To get a glimpse of what our community can expect when this wonderful new hub opens, you can watch a short preview video. Please follow the link: https://rb.gy/pnjmfo
I would also like to thank colleagues and patients for their understanding during the construction work.
The hub follows on from the upgraded main entrance and reception area, with improved retail and restaurant facilities, enhancing the experience for our patient and colleagues.
The development complements the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) which will see PRH specialising in planned care for patients of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid Wales.
It is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, which serves as a timely reminder to know the symptoms so that it can be spotted earlier.
The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than nine in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage.
If you notice any changes, such as a change in your toilet habits, blood in your poo, a lump or pain in your stomach or unexplained weight loss, it is important to ask your GP for an at-home testing kit. More information can be found at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
I am also pleased to share that from Saturday (13 April), our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) which offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters for patients and their families, will offer a seven-day service.
Our PALS service at SaTH will, from Saturday, be opening 9am-2pm Saturday and Sunday (phone and email only) in addition to the existing 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to contact PALS at the weekend, you can call 01743 261691 for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or 01952 282888 for the Princess Royal Hospital or email sath.pals@nhs.net.
Our Diabetes Foot Care Team has put together an evening to discuss diabetes and feet on Tuesday 16 April between 5pm and 8pm at the Shrewsbury Town Football Ground, in Oteley Rd, Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury Town Mayor Becky Wall will support the evening, which will include talks and sessions about diabetes foot risks, how to reduce them and what care to expect when things go wrong.
If you would like to attend the event, please telephone 01743 261000 extension 3055 and leave a message or email sath.dfcadmin@nhs.net, so complimentary refreshments can be arranged.