Plymouth’s new Royal Eye Infirmary has been officially opened by a 96-year-old patient who has had a lifetime of treatment under the service of the Infirmary.
Cutting the ribbon on the day was Robert Johns, who praised staff for the treatment he had received over many decades. People with eye conditions in Devon and Cornwall and the surrounding areas can now access the brand-new state-of-the-art facility.
The Royal Eye Infirmary has moved from Derriford Hospital to Alpha Way, off William Prance Road, and includes theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for children.
Ann James, chief executive at UHP said:
“Many of our patients will remember the move in 2013 from Mutley to Derriford and, as we are preparing for the future hospital with major development and investment in our estate, this is a key milestone in opening improved high-quality services for our community.
“We’re so proud of all the teams who, as always, have worked so hard to make this new facility a reality; from the building project itself, to the fit out of all of the equipment and theatres, to staffing. I know our teams are looking forward to working here, and I’m sure patients will be impressed.”
Lizzie Padgett, head orthoptist, explained how the move is good news for patients:
“We can now expand our REI team, which will allow us to treat more patients in a new purpose-built eye hospital, which has more clinical space.
This should see a reduction in waiting times for those accessing REI services.
“Here in the Southwest, we serve an aging population which means that eye care and eye issues continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.”
The new building includes a third operating theatre dedicated to sub-specialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries.
As a specialism, Ophthalmology (Eye Services) has a lower reliance on an acute hospital site, making it a suitable candidate for a move away from the Derriford Hospital site.
However, Paediatric surgery and specialist ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) treatment will remain on site at Derriford.
