An investment of £1.2 million has been used to upgrade the operating theatres at Bishop Auckland Hospital and expand its orthopaedic centre.  The work increases the capacity for planned joint replacement and other bone surgeries and will reduce the waiting times for patients requiring these procedures.  Patients will benefit from increased capacity meaning more operations can be carried out with fewer cancellations and an overall improved patient experience. Other improvements have also been made to the theatre suite, including new lighting, flooring and electrical works. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Steve Scott, says, “Thanks to this investment, all the theatres at Bishop Auckland are now ‘ultra clean air’ theatres, which is essential for bone and joint surgery. “It’s inevitable that as the population ages an increasing number of people who don’t have other serious health problems, will benefit particularly from hip and knee joint replacement surgery which will significantly improve their quality of life.  We want to ensure we have the capacity to accommodate these patients so they receive surgery quickly and have the best possible experience.  Also, because there are no emergency patients coming through Bishop Auckland Hospital, this greatly reduces the chance of an operation having to be cancelled which we know can be distressing for patients and their relatives. At Bishop Auckland Hospital we also have a ward dedicated to orthopaedic surgery where patients begin their rehabilitation in the care of a specialist multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well as medical and nursing staff.” Chief executive, Sue Jacques, said, “The number of people benefiting from knee and joint replacement surgeries is increasing and through this investment we can ensure our patients have the best possible experience in our care.” bishop auckland hospital theatre