The construction of the new Planned Care Hub at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, UK, is progressing as scheduled, with an expected completion in the upcoming summer.  

This update was shared by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH). 

The establishment of this new hub is anticipated to significantly boost the hospital's capacity for elective procedures. 

The facility, which will feature four operating theatres and additional recovery beds, is designed to facilitate more than 3,500 extra day case procedures annually.  

This initiative comes after SaTH, which operates both PRH and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, obtained a £24m investment for the hub. 

Construction of the two-storey hub is underway to provide patients from Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire, and mid-Wales with access to elective care throughout the year.  

The hub is expected to reduce waiting times significantly and offer an improved healthcare setting for patients. 

It will cater to day case procedures in various specialities, including maxillofacial, gynaecology, ear, nose and throat, breast, general surgery, and orthopaedics.  

Despite encountering complex estate issues that have extended the construction period, the first operations are expected to commence later in June. 

In addition to the hub, PRH has recently enhanced its main entrance and reception area, along with upgraded retail and restaurant facilities. 

The Planned Care Hub is part of the broader Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP), which is set to specialise PRH in planned care for the local and surrounding communities.  

The HTP represents a crucial effort to transform acute hospital services and promote health and care for the region. 

PRH Surgery matron Clare Marsh said: “We are really excited about moving into the new hub and being able to provide a dedicated unit for our patients awaiting surgery, 52 weeks of the year. 

“It means they can have their planned surgery in the right place, at the right time and by the right staff, which is fantastic news for our communities.”