FASTER access to surgery with state-of-the-art facilities and an improved overall experience should benefit patients after a major new £87 million surgical centre opened in Musgrove Park Hospital.

The development brings together operating theatres, endoscopy services, and a new intensive care unit (ICU) in a purpose-built facility supporting patients before, during, and after surgery.

Named the King’s Building, it includes eight operating theatres, six endoscopy rooms, and a 22-bed ICU.

It has been designed with future developments in mind, ensuring services can continue to grow to meet the changing needs of the county’s population.

Health Minister Alison McGovern said: “By bringing operating theatres, endoscopy services, and intensive care together in one purpose-built centre, we can increase capacity, improve patients’ experience, and help more people get the treatment they need sooner.

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A hybrid operating theatre in Musgrove Park Hospital's new surgical centre.

“This major investment will give clinical teams the modern buildings, equipment, and technology they need to deliver better care for patients now and in the future.”

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust consultant general surgeon Tom Edwards said: “This new centre represents a significant step forward for surgical services in Somerset.

“Theatres have been designed around modern clinical practice and give surgical teams access to state-of-the-art imaging and technology during procedures.

“The addition of hybrid theatres also creates exciting opportunities for combined surgical and image-guided treatments.

“The overall design of the building improves the flow for patients and colleagues alike, with operating theatres linked closely to surgical inpatient areas and support services, helping us provide more efficient care.”

Local MP Gideon Amos said: “The new surgical unit is the culmination of years of hard work by many, and the dedication of NHS staff who have made it happen.

“It is replacing some of the World War Two era buildings, which demonstrates how much we need the Government to green light our new maternity unit to replace the rest.”