An update on the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre

In July, works officially started on the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC) in Mexborough, with the build now gathering momentum as we reach another significant milestone.

A collaborative project undertaken by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BH), and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT), the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC) will feature two state-of-the-art theatre units, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery suite, in addition to 12 inpatient beds.

The £14.9 million project represents a significant step toward improving orthopaedic services within the region and reducing associated waiting lists for hip and knee replacement inpatient procedures, as well as foot and ankle, hand and wrist, and shoulder day case surgery.

Analysis provided by South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) outlines that the region’s waiting list has increased by approximately 43% since March 2020. Currently, over 2,500 patients have waited for more than 52 weeks, with two-thirds awaiting orthopaedic procedures.

Construction is proceeding according to plan, with the new building scheduled to be handed over by late December 2023. 

Foundations and footings for the site are complete, and the state-of-the-art modular section, created using modern methods of construction, will be installed between 22 and 24 September. It is anticipated that once the appropriate fixtures and fittings are in place, the MEOC will care for its first patients in early 2024.

Additionally, a number of senior appointments have been made. Kate Carville will join as Clinical Lead Nurse, Chris Tulloch as Clinical Lead, and Karen McAlpine as Operational Lead, all of whom have significant clinical and corporate experience within the NHS, and will help develop the project further, as well as lead the unit once it becomes operational.

Plans for early recruitment of the unit are also in motion, which includes Newly Qualified Nurses and clinicians, as well as internationally recruited colleagues, amongst other specialist colleagues.

All participating trusts will share further updates as the project reaches its next milestone later this month, and as the unit draws closer to its opening date.