RELIEF is on the way for Wyre Forest people suffering from painful joint conditions with the news that orthopaedic surgery is returning to Kidderminster Hospital.
Hip and knee joint surgery is to be carried out at the hospital's state-of-the-art treatment centre, marking the return of overnight stays for the first time since the hospital was downgraded in 2001.
Primary Care Trust acting chief executive, Eamonn Kelly, said it was good news for the hospital and the people of Wyre Forest.
"This is a very important development for Kidderminster and means patients will get earlier relief from the very painful conditions that require this kind of surgery," he explained. "It will mean shorter waiting times and be more convenient for Wyre Forest people."
Mr Kelly anticipated around 300 hip and knee joint replacements would be carried out at the centre in the first 12 months, starting in February, with patient stays of around five days.
He said it was the next phase of the PCT's five-year contract with Inter Health UK Ltd to provide the services at the treatment centre.
The current 12-month phase, which began in January, has seen the development of day surgery.
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