Tuesday 11 October 2022
A brand new nine-bed elective orthopaedic unit has been opened at the PEH this week.
Utilising an area of Le Marchant Ward, this new unit demonstrates HSC's commitment to reducing the current backlog of patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery.
Elaine Burgess, Associate Director Acute Care, said:
'The new unit follows best practice in orthopaedic surgery where beds are ring-fenced to reduce infection rates. Sharing a ward with other non-elective surgery increases the risk of infection which can be very serious for orthopaedic patients and increase their length of stay in hospital.'
Deputy Marc Leadbeater, Member of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:
'Whilst we have been unable to have an 'official' opening because the Hospital has measures in place to limit COVID-19 infections, I was pleased to be able to visit the ward this week when it was handed over to staff by the Estates Team and before patients arrived.
'This new unit will only have elective orthopaedic patients which we hope will see a reduction in postponements as beds will be ring-fenced for a specific purpose.'
