Patients and staff at Alnwick Infirmary in Northumberland are benefitting from a significant refurbishment of the hospital’s operating theatre and endoscopy suite, following the completion of a £1.8 million upgrade.
The project, delivered by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, has brought substantial improvements to the clinical environment.
These include new flooring throughout, the installation of automated theatre doors, and a range of enhancements designed to improve patient comfort and staff working conditions.
A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability, with the installation of two high-efficiency air handling units to improve air circulation while reducing environmental impact.
This refurbishment forms part of a broader programme of investment by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
In addition, fire safety has been strengthened with the fitting of new fire doors and smoke dampers across the department.
Jonny Watson, deputy director of commercial and capital projects at Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: "We’re delighted to have completed this important project at Alnwick Infirmary. These upgrades will not only improve staff working environments and provide patients with a more comfortable experience, but also support the refurbishment of theatres at Hexham General Hospital."
This refurbishment forms part of a broader programme of investment by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to enhance its estate and improve patient care across the region.
At Hexham General Hospital, a £15 million, year-long project to refurbish four operating theatres commenced in October 2024.
The upgrades at Alnwick Infirmary follow previous improvements to the hospital’s inpatient ward and outpatient departmen
The upgrades at Alnwick Infirmary follow previous improvements to the hospital’s inpatient ward and outpatient department, reaffirming the Trust’s commitment to modernising community healthcare facilities and delivering services closer to patients’ homes.
Craig Ternent, operational services manager at Northumbria Healthcare, added: "We are delighted that patients and staff are benefitting from the improved facilities at Alnwick and have no doubt it will have a significant impact on patient and staff experience going forward.
“It is important to us that we continue to invest in our community hospitals like Alnwick, as we are committed to providing as much care as we can closer to people’s homes. This refurbishment helps us future-proof the department to ensure we can keep delivering for patients at a high standard."
The refurbished operating theatre at Alnwick Infirmary caters for day-case orthopaedic, plastics, general, and oral surgery procedures, while the enhanced endoscopy suite allows patients from Alnwick and surrounding areas to undergo important diagnostic procedures locally, reducing the need to travel to larger hospitals within the Trust.