Llandudno Hospital operating theatre reopens to reduce patient waiting lists

Llandudno Hospital’s operating theatre has reopened in what has been described as an important step towards reducing the number of patients waiting for surgical procedures.

The unit reopened during May 2022 and treats day surgery patients, meaning that the patient does not need to stay overnight.

Hernia, gallbladder and some orthopaedic procedures are now being carried out in the theatre to help increase the capacity available to treat more patients waiting for operations.

Mr Graham Whiteley, clinical lead for Surgery at Ysbyty Gwynedd, who has used Llandudno Hospital operating theatres for over 20 years, has welcomed the reopening of the facility.

He said: “Llandudno theatre is the ideal setting for day case surgery when combined with the ward facilities within the hospital.

“Patients value the relaxed atmosphere at Llandudno Hospital when they are going through the anxious time associated with surgery.

“A high throughput of cases including hernias and gallbladder surgery is possible when the theatre is used efficiently.

“I have found Llandudno to be a useful safety valve when beds at Ysbyty Gwynedd are unavailable for whatever reason.”

Helen Wilson, from Llanfairfechan, was one of the first orthopaedic patients to receive her operation following the reopening of the theatre.

Helen was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a pressure on the nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers.

She said: “I was due to have my carpal tunnel surgery in 2020 but it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“I had been managing but the pain was getting much worse and I constantly had pins and needles in my arm.

“I was seen in clinic during May 2022 and was listed for surgery very quickly, which I am grateful for.

“I think it’s great that they now have the theatre open in Llandudno so they can do more cases like mine and the ward and theatre staff are also wonderful and were so friendly during my time there.”

Helen’s surgeon, consultant in trauma and orthopaedics, Mr Satya Pydah has welcomed the reopening of the theatre in Llandudno to carry out more day case surgery.

He said: “Llandudno Theatre is a great location for us to carry out smaller procedures such as carpal tunnel surgery and arthroscopic surgery.

“We have a fantastic theatre team here along with a fantastic facility that will help us with tackling our waiting lists.”

Deputy theatre team leader, Minaxi Patel, added: “It is wonderful news to restarting elective day case surgery at Llandudno theatres presently undertaking orthopaedics and general surgery.

“We have a wonderful team of theatre staff who are excited, dedicated and looking forward in providing an excellent service to theatres. Also providing a warm, friendly and professional care to the patients.

“Patients have commented how clean our theatres are, happy with their personalised care and receiving a friendly service from the theatre staff.

“We welcome seeing the patients here – we have a big part to play and have a positive outcome in reducing and tackling the huge waiting live we have.”