Plans approved to move West Suffolk surgeries to Colchester

Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) Integrated Care Board (ICB) agreed on Tuesday the move of 55 per cent of surgeries from West Suffolk Hospital in a bid to cut waiting times. 

The board discussed the travel recommendations made by Healthwatch Suffolk, which raised some patient's concerns about the distance to the new centre.

The £34m Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre (ESEOC) will have eight operating theatres and three wards, making it Europe's largest orthopaedic centre.

It will open in October and aims to cut waiting times by four weeks. 

The centre will open in October. (Image: Newsquest)

East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust's Chief Executive Nick Hulme said: "Every week that ESEOC is open it will take two weeks off the waiting list."

Healthwatch Suffolk analysed a survey of 2,218 people on their view of the new centre. 

They found that 48 per cent responded positively to the plans, while around 35 per cent of respondees raised concerns.

Additionally, 59 per cent of those waiting for operations at West Suffolk Hospital responded positively to the plans. 

Movement was the biggest concern for patients. (Image: PA)

Research officer at Healthwatch Suffolk Luke Bacon told the board: "We found that quite consistently people who were waiting for elective care were positive about the proposal. 

"We think it's due to the impact on quality of life due to waiting and wanting to have that surgery done."

He added that people closer to ESEOC were more likely to be positive about the plans, while those from Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Mildenhall, and North Suffolk were more likely to be negative. 

It was emphasised that the board must improve transportation links between the two towns.

Nick Hulme told the board that they need to take the recommendations on board. (Sarah Lucy Brown)

Mr Hulme added: "I think the feedback we have had is not dissimilar from previous consultancy, but we need to take that on. It is important for the people there. 

"We need to make sure that people feel welcome at the new centre."

The plans were unanimously approved and the board will be providing an update on the recommendation in their September meeting.