A NEW theatre for eye operations is planned for the Isle of Wight's only hospital.

The hospital trust says it make a 'big difference' to the care it can provide to the Island.

Added next to the Mottistone Ward at St Mary's Hospital, in Newport, a specially designed, modular operating theatre and six-bed recovery ward unit is being installed.

Plans for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust's new state-of-the-art ophthalmic suite with an eye clinic and theatre have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.

A spokesperson for the trust said the new theatre and ward would make a big difference to the care they are able to provide for the Island's community.

It means the trust would be able to perform 40 per cent more cataract operations each year and increase its day surgery capacity by 20 per cent.

The spokesperson said it will reduce waiting times for people and improve flexibility.

Work has already started on the ward but has not been completed, according to planning forms.

Planning agents on behalf of the trust, ERMC, said the theatre will help the trust better support the medical needs of Island residents by providing modern and efficient clinical spaces, allowing them to address the long wait times and clear the backlog of procedures.

ERMC says the unit is on a fast-track supply timeline to ensure the hospital is operationally able to meet growing patient lists.

You can view the plans, 22/01331/FUL, on the council's planning register. Comments can be submitted until September 19.

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