Staffordshire Treatment Suite at University Hospitals of North Midlands welcomes its first patients

University Hospitals of North Midlands has welcomed its first patients to a new Treatment Suite to help tackle Covid-19 backlogs and offer thousands more patients quicker access to day-case surgery.  

The Staffordshire Treatment Suite is based at County Hospital in Stafford and provides theatre space and associated recovery bays to be able to treat patients on a day-case basis.

As the suite can treat more patients who are deemed suitable to have their procedure in that environment, it also frees up more space at main theatres at County Hospital and at Royal Stoke University Hospital. This means patients will be seen quicker at the hospital most appropriate for their needs.

Today Helen Ashley, UHNM Director of Strategy, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to make some fantastic enhancements to the surgical facilities that we provide for patients at County Hospital. The teams are working hard to bring plans to life and this is the first step to developing County as a hub for low complexity elective procedures.”

Eddie Chambers, 73, from Stafford was the first patient to be treated at the Staffordshire Treatment Suite, he said: “The facilities are great, it’s a really good addition to the hospital. I felt comfortable during my procedure and thank you to everyone for looking after me.”

Craig Morgan, 54, from Tunstall, who was also treated, said: “I feel privileged to be one of the first to be treated here today. I was offered my appointment only last week so it’s great to be offered this service so quickly. Everyone has been really welcoming and it’s a nice atmosphere.”

Joe Navarro, 71, from Stafford, was in for a cheek biopsy said: “I feel great that I am here today, the facilities are magic. Everyone is very helpful to me and I think it’s a great facility for the hospital.” 

The suite is funded as part of NHS England and Improvement’s Elective Recovery Plan which will allow more patients to be operated on each month.

Andrew Cole, Theatre Matron said: “It’s a momentous day and a great development for County Hospital. A huge amount of work has gone into this from the theatres team. From staffing it, equipping it and to setting processes in place to make sure it is safe for the patient. It is all credit to the theatre team for getting us to this position.”