Friarage Operating Theatres Receive a Huge Boost

We are over the moon to announce that a £35.5m investment into operating theatres at the hospital has been given the go-ahead by The Department of Health and Social Care!

We know it has been an extremely challenging few years for many and following the pandemic, a lot of patients who require non-urgent care have had treatments heavily disrupted. 

That’s why it's so fantastic to receive this funding which will help increase capacity at The Friarage and improve the care of patients.

The scheme is awaiting final approval but we are confident that upon its approval The Friarage will be able to get to work improving its six operating theatres through the creation of a modern surgical hub which, alongside the existing theatres will include an additional two minor operating theatres as well as a surgical admission and day hub. 

We are so pleased to share that with the modernisation and updated equipment these operating theatres will receive the hospital will be able to nearly double its planned operations! Currently, The Fantastic staff at the Friarage carry out up to 5,000 operations a year which could see an increase to just shy of 10,000.

Detailed final plans are now in their last phases and are awaiting regional and national NHS approvals.

Susan Watson our co-chair, said: “We are delighted to hear the news of this significant and exciting development marking a bright new future for the Friarage Hospital.

“Over the past three years we’ve supported the creation of the new services to the tune of £1m and we are now working with surgical teams across the site, including plastic surgery, gynaecology, the eye department and the musculoskeletal team to support their aspirations to offer state of the art services to our local population.

"In the next two years, we’re looking to invest at least another £200,000 in these services. Friends of the Friarage have worked with the hospital for 65 years and we look forward to supporting this excellent local service for many years to come.”

We’ll keep you all updated on developments regarding this project but in the meantime, you can follow us on our social channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to hear the latest updates about our events, fundraisers and hospital developments.