AFTER almost a year of work, a new £3million state-of-the-art theatre suite has opened at Southend Hospital.

The endovascular hybrid suite combines all the features of a fully-equipped operating theatre with an interventional radiology suite - and includes ultra-modern imaging and operating equipment for complex endovascular work.

Consultant vascular surgeon, James Brown - one of the first to use the theatre - said: “The new hybrid theatre represents a significant investment in vascular services at Southend.

“We can now provide the best care for our patients in one single location without compromise. It is only by the combination of the best quality imaging and theatre facilities that these complex vascular procedures can be undertaken.”

The hospital’s radiology, surgical and theatre teams are now able to work collaboratively to provide revolutionary treatments, such as carotid stenting and clot retrieval, for patients in one single location.

The suite was officially opened by Southend Hospital chairman, Alan Tobias OBE.