Work has begun on two new modular operating theatres at Derriford Hospital.

National investment has been obtained from the NHS Elective Recovery Fund to address the major impact of Covid on hospital waiting times.

The move will see the existing REI (Ophthalmology) Theatres relocate from level 7 of Derriford Hospital, to new purpose-built theatres based within the disabled car park.

This change will vacate two existing theatres within the main building, creating capacity for additional theatre lists in other specialties to treat the most complex, longest waiting or highest clinical priority cases.

Chief Operating Officer at Derriford Jo Beer said: “Securing this investment is a very important step in our elective recovery. Introducing two additional theatres will allow us to treat around 200 additional patients each month and tackle waiting lists following the pandemic.”

There will be some disruption to disabled parking at the hospital while the build goes ahead: it’s expected that the new unit will receive its first patients in late August.

The Trust will be redistributing 25 dedicated spaces into adjacent car parks to accommodate the new build. This will ensure the current level of disabled car parking capacity is maintained, whilst spreading accessible spaces to entrances across the site. These spaces will continue to be serviced by the Trust’s access buggy to transfer visitors to the main entrance.

Here’s a guide to the arrangements:

Phase 1 (14-24 July): Work begins – Disabled car park will remain open at 60% capacity, with the remaining capacity being made available in adjacent car parks.

Phase 2 (25-31 July): Disabled Car Park will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians to allow for the safe operation of a crane. Temporary spaces will be made available in Car Park A.

1 August onwards: Disabled Car Park reopens (at 60% of previous capacity) with the remaining capacity being made available in adjacent car parks.

What should I do when arriving on site?

During Phase 1 (14-24 July), continue to follow signage to the disabled car park. If the car park has reached capacity, signage will guide you to one of the alternative locations.

During Phase 2 (25-31 July), head to Car Park A. A steward will be in place at the disabled car park to redirect vehicles towards alternative locations.

A wheelchair access taxi service will be in place during the works to transfer visitors to the main building. This is a free service, which will transport you to any entrance on site.

The volunteer buggy service will return following the works and can be called via a call point at each parking location.

Pedestrian access will be maintained through phase 1 (14-24 July), however the site will be closed to pedestrians in Phase 2 (25-31 July). During this closure, please follow the main pavement around the perimeter of the car park.

Access to Orthopaedic Outpatients will be retained throughout the build, you will just need to follow the pedestrian diversions during phase 2.