THOUSANDS of patients recovering from broken bones, awaiting hip and knee replacements or in need of other orthopaedic treatment will benefit from a new purpose-built unit at the Alexandra Hospital.

The Redditch Orthopaedic Centre (ROC) opened its doors to patients for the first time yesterday (Tuesday). The unit brings together in one specially designed area a wide range of outpatient services for orthopaedic patients

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Karl Bell, the Alex's clinical director for trauma and orthopaedics, said: "We are always striving to improve the service our department provides. The new centre means we can provide everything in one location.

"The opening follows other recent improvements to orthopaedic services at the hospital, including the refurbishment of inpatient accommodation on Ward 16 and an upgrade for the orthopaedic operating theatre in the summer."

The new unit was built and equipped at a cost of just over £2 million.

Generous support has also come from the Alexandra's League of Friends, which donated the proceeds of its summer fete to equip a patient information room in the centre.

Jo Harper, the general manager for surgical specialties at the Alex, said: "The ROC has 12 consulting rooms to house fracture clinics and orthopaedic and rheumatology outpatient clinics, as well as X-ray facilities and a plaster room so patients don't have to travel outside the department once they arrive.

"A physiotherapist based in the department will see patients straight away where possible, to maximise their recovery and avoid the need for a further hospital visit.

"It will also be where patients come for pre-operative assessment before they have a hip or knee replacement.

"We will be offering those patients hip or knee classes when they can find out more about their operation, how long they can expect to be in hospital, how their rehabilitation will be managed and what aids they might need.