Last updated at 21:32, Thursday, 14 June 2012

Maryport hospital’s upgraded operating theatre has been officially opened.

OFFICIAL OPENING: Dr Martin White and Michelle Mulcahy, Maryport Health Services business manager, with members of the League of Friends and supporters in the new operating theatre at the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Maryport. The refurbishment, which cost £177,000, will help cut costs and waiting times

The Victoria Cottage Hospital refurbishment, which cost £177,000, means that patients in West Cumbria can elect to have day surgical procedures, including hernia operations, at Maryport.

Dr Martin White, GP and surgeon, said: “We offer the advantage that patients come in at an appointed time for their surgery. In larger hospitals patients usually have to be there early in the morning and then wait for their turn.”

It marks a major step forward for the cottage hospital, which seven years ago was under threat of closure.

Funding for the building refurbishment and new equipment has been provided by NHS Cumbria.

Medical equipment including a theatre light and operating table, which were previously funded by the hospital’s League of Friends, will also be used.

Michelle Mulcahy, Maryport Health Services business manager, said surgery provision strengthened the importance of the local hospital.

She said: “It makes economic sense. It costs about £1,000 less per patient having surgery performed here than it would in a general hospital.”

Surgery carried out at Maryport includes vasectomies, hernia operations, carpel tunnel decompression, trigger finger correction and skin cancer surgery.

Derek Thornthwaite, 78, of James Street, Maryport, who had a hernia operation performed by Dr White, said: “I got an appointment within days. It was set for 10am and I was back home at 11.30am. I can’t fault the service.”

First published at 19:24, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk