New NHS pre-op centre ‘just fantastic’ says MP
A new NHS centre – designed to cut waiting lists and provide services within the heart of the community – has been hailed by a Shropshire MP as ‘just fantastic’.
The pre-operative assessment services, previously based at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site to the west of the county town, have now been re-located to the site of a former engineering works to the north of the town – at Sentinel Park on Whitchurch Road.
“This is great news and will mean assessments can be done more quickly,” said Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley who officially opened the new site this week.
“So, this is situated just next to the Morrisons supermarket on Whitchurch Road. You can simply pop into the centre, with free and easy parking at the entrance, and the door opens directly into the reception – it couldn’t be easier. It’s just fantastic.
“No wonder over 3,000 patients have had their tests here since it opened in January, with 2,000 now ready for their operation. This is cutting waiting lists and providing a calm, reassuring one stop shop for patients in their community and, for many people, it’s closer to home.
“I visited this week to see the facility for myself and learn more about how it works. I was able to thank the amazing staff, led by Claire Marsh and the team of highly-trained specialist staff for their important and much appreciated work.
“So, patients scheduled to have a planned operation will now be having their assessment at Sentinel Park as part of the ongoing commitment by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to provide more services within the community.”
The Trust says the number of clinic rooms has increased from six to nine at the new location, meaning assessments could be done more quickly. The assessments are carried out for every patient having a planned operation or procedure where they will be placed under general or regional anaesthetic.
Meanwhile, a pre-operative service continues to be provided at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
