Three new operating theatres are being created at Walsall Manor Hospital in a £5.5m refurbishment project.

As well as the new theatres, which will be larger, a 10-bedded recovery area with two designated paediatric bays will replace the current six-bedded recovery.

One of the theatres will have laser capability and state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, along with a new air handling unit for the area.

Siân Webley, Divisional Director of Operations – Division of Surgery, at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We haven’t been able to use two theatres because of ventilation capability,

“This has meant the current size of our theatres has limited our service. To be able to create three new, larger theatres, expand the recovery area and house a large storeroom will result in a better experience for our patients. We will be able to increase our activity levels which will improve waiting times for patients who need elective surgery.”

Two of the theatres will be fitted with laminar airflow systems – ventilation systems that keep a consistent flow of clean air circulating through a room. It filters, cleans, and recirculates air to constantly remove pollutants and contaminants from sterile areas.

Siân added: “This exciting refurbishment is due to be completed next spring and we have ensured we are able to maintain surgery throughout this time both through using appropriate locations within the hospital as well as being supported by the Elective Hub at Cannock .”

The project is being funded through a combination of Targeted Investment Funding from NHS England, the public sector decarbonisation programme and the local capital programme.

The revenue has been provided by the Elective Recovery Fund which continues to support NHS Trusts’ efforts around elective recovery.