THE state-of-the-art East Lancashire Elective Centre is now open for patients at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

The first phase of the six figure investment will feature an additional 14 beds for short stay surgery and a purpose built procedure room.

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Hospital chiefs said minor procedures such as blood transfusions will move out of theatres into the new suite and the additional beds could help ease pressure on Royal Blackburn Hospital with fewer operations being cancelled.

Patients who currently attend the planned admission unit on ward 28 will also receive treatment in the new East Lancashire Elective Centre.

Gillian Simpson, executive director of operations at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said the new facility will mean the hospital will have extra room to perform more surgery.

She said: “A significant number of patients who need endoscopy, minor surgery and day case procedures will now benefit from larger, purpose built diagnostic and treatment facilities in the new centre.”

Work on the new endoscopy suite is set to be completed next year and the new patient centred infusion suit and extra treatment room will be ready by the end of 2017.

Clare Owen, the hospital’s transformation manager, said: “Demand for the type of procedures and treatments that will be carried out at the East Lancashire Elective Centre are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. We’re confident that the new facility will be extremely well-used, including the state-of-the-art room which is purpose-built for minor procedures.

“Although the new Elective Centre is designed to meet the needs of patients and visitors, the response from our staff has also been very positive and there is a good relationship with the construction team. This gives us confidence that the remaining work will finish on time.”

Julie Cooper, Burnley’s MP, said: “The teaching hospital and its new centres will help relieve some of the strain from the already busy hospitals in the borough. “The new centre will be modern and bring a lot of benefits to the town.”

Senior sister at the centre, Nicola Metcalfe, said: “More than one patient has wished we could look after them all the time but we need the beds as We look forward to treating lots of patients in the coming months.”