A new unit in Royal Oldham Hospital has formally opened to help thousands more patients and curb waiting times.

A major £28m extension to the hospital has been completed and opened to the public this month as the newly equipped Hulton Building promises to cater to more than 4,000 patients needing emergency general and colorectal surgery care each year.

It is hoped the facility will boost capacity in the region and reduce waiting times.

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The hub has two new general surgery wards with a capacity of 24 beds in each, including individual rooms for patients who need extra privacy.

Rooms have been designed with additional space and lots of light to create an environment that will aid recovery.

Multiple bathrooms and rehabilitation and therapy rooms also span across two floors.

The name of the site was picked by colleagues in memory of a former inspirational surgeon, Mr Neil Hulton, who worked at Royal Oldham for more than 25 years as a consultant general and vascular surgeon.

Mr Hulton was a pioneer of keyhole surgery at Oldham and held the position of medical director, training future surgeons.

The Hulton building facility has been delivered in partnership with Integrated Health Projects and has already boosted the local community with jobs, including clinical and support staff, as well as learning and mentoring opportunities.

Joann Webb, assistant director of nursing general and colorectal, said: “We are excited about the opening of our new hub where we will be able to treat more people who require high-risk, general and colorectal care.

"The facility's design was developed with input from patients, service users and colleagues, and as a result we have introduced changes. 

"I am sure it will make a difference to the patient experience and help with a speedier recovery, so they can leave hospital as soon as possible.”  

Alison Birkett, lead nurse general and colorectal surgery, added: “Patients and colleagues are delighted with our new building and are taking advantage of our new facilities and the latest innovations.  

“Our clinical teams have been working incredibly hard to make sure we are ready for our first arrivals. 

"We have spent the first few days transferring patients from existing wards to the new space and we’ve had great feedback.”    

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