New operating theatre opens at Shropshire hospital to increase surgical capacity and reduce waiting times

A Shropshire hospital has opened a new operating theatre, increasing capacity for specialist orthopaedic surgery in the county.

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The new operating theatre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), will see patients start being taken into the new facility from Friday.

The opening takes the Oswestry-based specialist hospital to 14 Theatres in total, marking an important step in its work to increase surgical activity and reduce waiting times.

The first operation in the new facility will be a foot and ankle procedure carried out by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Simon Hill.

The development brings together modern facilities and investment in people, with new surgeons and Theatre staff successfully recruited to help the hospital make the most of the additional capacity.

Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive at RJAH, said: “Opening this new theatre is an important milestone for our hospital, but above all it is good news for our patients.

“For someone waiting for orthopaedic surgery, the impact can reach into every part of life, from getting around and staying independent to working, sleeping well and spending time with family. Increasing our capacity means we can help more people take that next step towards recovery.

“This development reflects our commitment to improving lives through excellent and innovative care. It is an investment in the future of our hospital and in the specialist services that patients across our local communities and further afield rely on.

“I am delighted to welcome the opening of our 14th Theatre and would like to thank everyone who has helped bring the new facility into use.”

The expansion follows recruitment activity undertaken in preparation for the additional Theatre, ensuring that the hospital’s workforce grows alongside its facilities.

Mike Carr, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, said: “This new Theatre gives us capacity for an additional 1,000 to 1,200 procedures a year. That is a significant opportunity to treat more patients and support further reductions in waiting times over the coming months.

“We know how much it matters to people to have their surgery sooner, and our focus now is on making the best possible use of this additional capacity.

“Modern new facilities alone do not get the job done. You also need the people with the skills to turn that extra space into care for patients.

“That is why we have successfully recruited new surgeons and new Theatre staff to join our team. Bringing investment in our facilities and workforce together puts us in a stronger position to increase activity and help more patients get the treatment they need.

“There is still work to do on waiting times, but this opening is a practical and positive step forward. Our priority is to turn this opportunity into a meaningful difference for the people waiting for our care.”