£4.2m University Hospital of North Tees work has started

The construction of a new robotic and emergency maternity surgical theatre has begun at the University Hospital of North Tees, operated by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

The new facility will include a state-of-the-art robotic theatre surgical space and a new theatre dedicated to providing emergency maternity surgery.

Anil Agarwal, consultant surgeon, at the construction site (Image: NHS)

This will include the  Trust’s Da Vinci robotic surgeon, nicknamed ‘Robbie’ by a patient, which is controlled remotely by surgeons and improves the accuracy and efficiency of surgery in complex operations.

Despite only just beginning the process, developers have pinpointed ten months as a timeframe for completing the project - meaning that the section of the hospital could open at the end of this year.

Anil Agarwal, consultant surgeon, said: “These new operating theatres will benefit hundreds of patients for years to come.

“We’ve been planning this for a few years and I’m so pleased to see the work taking place.

Anil Agarwal, consultant surgeon, Care Group Manager Alison Coates and Geoffrey Robinson site manager Tony Smith (Image: NHS)

“The design of the robotic theatre is flexible so it can also be used for general surgery and the robotic device can then be moved to a separate training room for surgeons to learn on."

He added: “The maternity theatre is close to the delivery suite and increases our capacity to treat women in an emergency.

“I’m looking forward to using the robot in its purpose-built theatre towards the end of the year.”

The Trust is appealing to all visitors to follow any diversion signs for the works to be carried out safely.

The Da Vinci robotic surgeon, nicknamed ‘Robbie’ (Image: NHS)

Project design and development manager Jordan Pearson said: “This project will take nearly a year to complete and will cause some disruption.

“There will be very clear signage around the works’ area, advising of alternate routes and providing key safety information.

“We’re asking everyone to take note of any signs or advice from Trust staff or the construction team.”

As well as diversionary routes and some unavoidable noise, the Trust is advising all visitors that alternative traffic measures may be required. Several patient car parking spaces will be used to house the site workers’ facilities and equipment storage.

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Access to the construction area will require temporary remodelling of the paediatric emergency department. This will be signed with safety barriers installed.

The paediatric emergency department will still be able to treat all patients as normal.

The new robotic and emergency maternity surgical theatre is expected to be complete and treat patients in December 2024.