New orthopaedic ward opens at Dorset County Hospital
The £1.4 million unit will support those having elective surgery
A new £1.4 million unit for people having orthopaedic surgery has opened at Dorset County Hospital.
The former Ridgeway Ward has been transformed to provide a lounge for patients, with a therapy suite for their recovery.
It's been funded by NHS England and is aimed at reducing waiting times for appointments and operations.
The ward is part of the same project that's also seen the creation of the Outpatient Assessment Centre at South Walks House in Dorchester town centre.
Anita Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at Dorset County Hospital, said:
“This funding has allowed us to transform the former Ridgeway Ward and will make such a difference to people waiting for elective orthopaedic surgery. We will be able to reduce waiting times, treat people more quickly and support their recovery, so they spend less time in hospital.”
The new unit will allow people to be admitted for their orthopaedic surgery more quickly, and also enable patients to go home sooner to continue their recovery.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Dorset County Hospital Nick Savva said:
“We have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to develop the Ridgeway Orthopaedic Elective Unit. It has been designed to the highest standards and will facilitate world class levels of care and efficiency."