A world-class keyhole surgery unit could soon be set up in Colchester.

The facility should lead to shorter waiting lists and mean more patients can be dealt with as day cases and will not need to stay in hospital so long.

Plans for two extra laparoscopic operating theatres in a pair of main theatres at Colchester General Hospital have been backed by the board of Essex Strategic Health Authority (SHA).

Setting up the new facilities is expected to cost about £800,000 and the hospital's current laparoscopic theatre will be moved to a theatre in the day surgery unit.

A meeting of Essex SHA board approved the plans which Dr Paul Watson, medical director, described as "great news for Essex".

Published Friday, January 28, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette