Peter WalshHealth bosses are hoping that a new surgical centre which has opened in Norwich will help relieve the 'enormous strain' from Norfolk's overstretched flagship hospital.Peter Walsh
Health bosses are hoping that a new surgical centre which has opened in Norwich will help relieve the 'enormous strain' from Norfolk's overstretched flagship hospital.
The new primary care surgical centre at the St Stephens Gate Medical Practice, was officially opened yesterdayafter a �50,000 upgrade of the minor operations theatre and neighbouring rooms at the Wessex Street premises close to the Chapelfield Shopping Centre.
The new surgical centre, which is part of the Norfolk Surgical and Diagnostic Centres (NSDC) based in King's Lynn, will be able to carry out a raft of minor operations - providing a much-needed alternative to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Pre and post-surgery appointments can also be carried out at St Stephens Gate meaning that patients will no longer need to travel to the N&N - freeing up valuable time and resources.
Michelle Kears, practice manager of the St Stephens Gate Medical Practice, said: 'We want to offer patients in the Norwich and wider area the opportunity to have these procedures done closer to home in a smaller setting that's not so threatening like a hospital can be. The partners here invested quite a lot to upgrade the minor operations suite so it will be up to the correct standard for the procedures.'
Various procedures offered at the new surgical centre will include surgery for trapped nerves in the wrist, varicose vein injection and ties, nail surgery and removal of certain skin growths.
In the future it is hoped the centre might be able to provide cataract surgery and endoscopy services for patients living in the Norwich area.
The aim is to have most referrals completed within just 12 weeks, meaning a quick turnaround for patients who are treated at the surgical centre in Norwich.
Norman Lamb, North Norfolk MP and Lib Dem health spokesman, said: 'It offers more convenience for patients, hopefully it will mean speedier access, and critically it does relieve pressure from the N&N which we all know is under enormous strain so I think all round it's great news. It's exactly what we should be doing.'
What do you think of the new centre? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here