WAITING times for joint replacement and bones surgeries are set to fall thanks to a £1.2m upgrade at a North-East hospital.

Bishop Auckland Hospital’s orthopaedic centre has been improved and expanded, with the introduction of two new, state of the art theatres increasing capacity for planned procedures.

This should significantly reduce waiting times and cancellations, as more operations can now be carried out.

Steve Scott, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “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 multi-disciplinary team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as well as medical and nursing staff.”

In addition to the new theatres, the two existing theatres have also been improved and now boast new lighting, flooring and electrical works.

Yesterday (Thursday, August 25), councillors, health professionals and journalists were given a special tour of the centre.

Councillor Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for safer communities, was among those given a glimpse inside the theatre.

She said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic. They have doubled the capacity and the new theatres are amazing. People don’t always realise what goes on behind the scenes so this is a great opportunity for people to find out about the fantastic facilities on their doorstep.”

Sue Jacques, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, 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.”