A state-of-the-art ophthalmic theatre suite has opened for eye patients at Musgrove Park Hospital.

It is the first part in the development of a new eye care unit at the hospital, with a second theatre expected to be in operation at the suite in the autumn.

It means eye surgery will be able to continue even when the hospital is at its busiest – which previously could have led to the postponement of planned surgery.

The development is one part of Musgrove 2030, an ambitious programme to transform the hospital’s facilities.

The suite was constructed entirely off-site as a modular build, complete with all the equipment inside, and was lifted into place with limited disruption to the hospital site.

It has dedicated changing rooms and private waiting area, as well as rooms for anaesthetists and surgeons to meet and examine patients.

Mr Ed Herbert, a consultant ophthalmologist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our eye unit is the busiest department at Musgrove Park Hospital, carrying out over 3,000 operations every year and providing nearly 50,000 outpatient appointments.

“Historically, there has always been a greater demand for surgery than we can meet, leading to long waiting times.

“With social distancing requirements in place over the last 18 months, as well as reduced theatre availability, our ophthalmology patients have inevitably needed to wait longer than we’d wish for a procedure.”

Matthew Bryant, chief operating officer at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (hospital services), said the new ophthalmic theatre suite was a very important part of the hospital’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a permanent dedicated day surgery theatre for eye surgery in Taunton and we are pleased to be able to offer patients a more positive experience in a better environment.”

Sales and Marketing Director for ModuleCo and project sponsor, Jonathan Brindley, said: “The feedback from the surgical team when using the facility is excellent and I know they have been very keen to use the new theatre suite since we first started discussions last December.

“It is pleasing to see that we have been able to deliver upon what was originally promised in terms of timescales, quality and the permanent feel and performance of the final build.”