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16/02/2004
Mobile operating unit cuts waiting lists
Northern Ireland's first ever mobile operating theatre looks set to cut surgical waiting list's by up to 300 people, it emerged today.
The unit, which has been installed at the Royal Victoria Hospital on a temporary basis, is currently being used to carry out routine eye surgery.
Commenting on the unit during a visit Health Minister, Angela Smith said: "This new unit is a real example of how new and innovative thinking can help to improve services and reduce waiting lists."
After touring the High Dependency Unit and the Regional Intensive Care Unit where a further five critical care beds have recently been opened, the Minister added: "This development will again reduce waiting lists and help to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland receive the high level of specialist care required after major surgery.
"Like many other hospitals, the Royal has had to deal with an increased number of emergency medical admissions and surgical emergencies recently and this makes it difficult for the hospital to maintain downward pressure on waiting lists."
The new beds brings the total number of beds available to treat emergency patients such as those injured in road accidents to 25.
By the end of 2004 there will be 28 critical care beds and by 2007, as part of the second phase of the Royal Hospitals redevelopment programme, a new purpose built Critical Care Building will have capacity for 40 beds.
(MB)
The unit, which has been installed at the Royal Victoria Hospital on a temporary basis, is currently being used to carry out routine eye surgery.
Commenting on the unit during a visit Health Minister, Angela Smith said: "This new unit is a real example of how new and innovative thinking can help to improve services and reduce waiting lists."
After touring the High Dependency Unit and the Regional Intensive Care Unit where a further five critical care beds have recently been opened, the Minister added: "This development will again reduce waiting lists and help to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland receive the high level of specialist care required after major surgery.
"Like many other hospitals, the Royal has had to deal with an increased number of emergency medical admissions and surgical emergencies recently and this makes it difficult for the hospital to maintain downward pressure on waiting lists."
The new beds brings the total number of beds available to treat emergency patients such as those injured in road accidents to 25.
By the end of 2004 there will be 28 critical care beds and by 2007, as part of the second phase of the Royal Hospitals redevelopment programme, a new purpose built Critical Care Building will have capacity for 40 beds.
(MB)
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