The Operating Theatre Journal - Journal - Page 29
Artwork making a difference for patients in new state-of-the-art
Operating Theatre complex at the Alexandra Hospital
Charity-funded artwork has been installed in a new state-of-the-art operating theatre complex at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
To help create a calming environment for patients waiting or recovering
from surgery, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity has funded
bespoke 昀氀oor-to-ceiling artwork throughout the new complex.
Featuring a woodland backdrop, it has been specially designed for use
in clinical settings and follows similar art installations at Worcestershire
Royal Hospital.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity funds projects that help improve
the hospital environment and patient experience as well as additional
medical equipment and items that help the wellbeing of staff.
Sophie Burt, Head of Fundraising and Community Development at
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to
expand our programme of artwork and support this brilliant new
installation at the Alexandra Hospital. We know that improving the
hospital environment has many bene昀椀ts for both our patients and staff
by creating a more relaxing and calm environment for everyone.”
“As a charity, all the work we do is supported by donations from
our local community. We are so grateful for the support we receive
from patients and families as well as community groups and local
businesses. This support really does make such a huge difference across
our hospitals.”
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity’s 2023 Christmas Appeal is
aiming to raise £20,000 to fund 20 day beds to provide extra comfort
and rest for the families of palliative care patients at both the Alexandra
and Worcestershire Royal Hospital. You can 昀椀nd out more about the
Christmas Appeal at: https://wahcharity.org/christmas-appeal-2023
The new theatres were used for the 昀椀rst time in September but work
has now been completed on the rest of the development which includes
staff changing and rest areas, as well as the installation of the artwork.
The completion of the work provided an opportunity for Redditch MP,
Rachel Maclean to take a tour of the unit with staff and cut a ribbon to
mark its full opening.
The complex has two new purpose-built operating theatres which allow
a dedicated team of specialist medical and nursing staff to provide care
to around 2,300 Worcestershire patients a year.
The £18 million facilities, which are the latest stage in the development
of the Alexandra Hospital as a surgical centre of excellence, will be
used to treat urology, general surgery, orthopaedic and gynaecology
patients requiring day case or inpatient surgery and bring the total
number of theatres at the Alexandra to nine.
Dr Jo Marriott, Consultant Anaesthetist and Divisional Director of the
Specialised Clinical Services Division at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals
NHS Trust, said: “These facilities bring much-needed increased theatre
capacity. This means that we can see more patients a year resulting
in improved access and reduced waiting times for all patients across
Worcestershire and beyond.
“The development also ensures we have theatre accommodation that
is 昀椀t for purpose in the future. The improved facilities, and the added
artwork, will undoubtedly result in improved patient experience,
ef昀椀ciency, and staff morale.”
The College of Operating Department Practitioners is delighted to announce that today,
Mike Donnellon takes up of昀椀ce as the President of the College.
Mike succeeds Hannah Abbott who has been in post since 2017.
Mike commenced his Operating Department Assistant training in 1983 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital before moving
into Higher Education in 2002 at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Mike’s previous role within the
College was Chair of the Education and Standards Committee. Mike said:
“It is a privilege to serve as President of the College in this transitional year as we seperate from Unison and
establish ourselves as a standalone independant Professional Body.
A huge thank youto our outgoing President Hannah Abbott. Hannah’s commitment to the College is truly immeasurable
and the College has achieved so much during her Presidency. Thank you Hannah.”
The new College website will soon be accessible and will provide details of the College structures and membership
offer.
Find out more 02921 680068 • e-mail admin@lawrand.com
Issue 400
January
2024
29