Albyn Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, has completed work on its fourth operating theatre at its Albyn Place location. The important
milestone in the hospital’s £8 million investment programme will see operating theatre capacity increase by 25%. The additional capacity will reduce the time patients across the North of Scotland have to wait for surgery. In addition to the new theatre, the department has been redesigned to ensure patients will now benefit from a seamless transition from operating theatres to recovery bays and wards. The shorter time between handovers will increase the operational efficiency of the 39-bed hospital.
Central to this increased efficiency is the addition of 7 new rooms for day-case patients who will be able to receive their treatment quickly, with no need to stay overnight. The department has been named the Dunnottar Ward – after the famous castle near Stonehaven.
It is estimated that the new theatre and the additional service improvements will put Albyn Hospital in a position to see a 12% increase in the number of patients each year across all major specialties including orthopaedics, gynaecology and general Surgery.
Karen Benton, Director of Clinical Services at Albyn Hospital, said: “The work we are doing to enhance our services is not just about creating more space. We know that prioritising the workflow and patient flow through the hospital has a significant impact on our patient’s experience and treatment outcomes. The addition of the rooms for day case procedures gives our patients the convenience of reduced hospital stays without needing to take long periods off work.”
Bets Welman, Executive Director of Albyn Hospital, said: “I’m delighted to see this phase of the investment programme completed and officially open to patients. Staff and our partners have worked tirelessly to help enhance what we offer to patients across Aberdeen and further afield. The additional theatre capacity will make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of patients and we will see a reduction in local waiting times and enhanced patient outcomes.”
The new theatre was officially opened on Monday 8th April by Cathy Rogers, Lead Theatre Practitioner, who has 29 years’ service.
The Dunnottar ward was opened by the longest serving Registered Nurse, Elaine Bonnamy with 40 years’ service.
Karen Prins, Chief Operating Officer for Circle Health Group, also attended the opening event.
