The first patients have been treated in a newly refurbished, state-of-the-art operating theatre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) which has been funded by a £500,000 donation from the N&N Hospitals Charity and Big C.

A second, larger theatre will be refurbished with the new innovative equipment at the end of this year. The upgrade is being funded by a grant of £125,000 from Big C and a donation of £382,000 from the N&N Hospitals charity.

Mark Davies, chief executive of NNUH, said: 'This hospital is a major cancer centre and embracing new technology and equipment will help us to provide the very best care for our patients.'

Consultant surgeon Richard Wharton added: 'We are delighted to see patients benefitting directly from the new equipment which allows us to perform ever-more complex procedures. Using these new technologies enhance the treatment we can provide, reducing complications, helping patients to recover more quickly and improving the quality of care.'

Nikki Morris, deputy chief executive at Big C said: 'Big C is pleased to support this initiative which will see patients across Norfolk and Waveney benefit from world class cancer care. This investment will enable our medical teams to give the best care now, while supporting the education of those who will be our surgeons of the future.'

This investment is part of Big C's annual grants round which funds ground-breaking cancer research at the Norwich Research Park and new medical equipment across the county's main hospitals.

Integrated theatres have advanced technology installed in the ceiling of the theatre which assists surgeons who are carrying out keyhole surgery. They also benefit patients through better outcomes and safer care.

One of the new features of the integrated theatre is an infrared scope which help surgeons check for internal anatomy and the potential for bowel leaks, by highlighting blood vessels and lymph nodes. There will also be the ability to train future surgeons by transmitting live footage of surgery to the hospital's lecture theatre or further afield.

The new technology is being used for patients undergoing bowel, oesophageal and gastric (stomach), thoracic and gynaecological surgical procedures.

Louise Cook, head of fundraising for N&N Hospitals Charity, added: 'These two theatres are evidence of how the hospital charity is making a difference to our patients. I am delighted to see the money raised by our supporters being in invested in innovative technology.''

To help support the N&N Hospitals Charity to continue to make a difference visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk or call 01603 287107.