Local patients are now able to have minor surgery at Townlands Memorial Hospital

To improve services closer to home for patients, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust now offer carpal tunnel surgery at Townlands Hospital, utilising the minor ops facilities on  site.

Several patients have already benefited from having carpal tunnel surgery at Townlands, and the initiative is expected to increase the number of surgeries performed locally, helping to reduce waiting lists and minimise the need for patients to travel to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Natasha Picardo, Consultant Hand Surgeon, said ‘We are really pleased to be able to offer this service at Townlands, as it makes a real difference to patients locally. By having the carpal tunnel surgery under minor ops at a local hospital like Townlands it significantly streamlines the patient journey as they don’t require preoperative assessments.  On the day of surgery they can be admitted and discharged much faster, as well as having a session with our clinical staff on how to manage after the operation.’

Patients who have had the procedure at Townlands recently have praised the convenience and comfort of receiving treatment closer to home.

Carpal tunnel is a minor operation, usually performed in one of the theatres at Royal Berkshire Hospital. By moving minor operations where possible to local community hospitals such at Townlands, it not only reduces the demands on theatre space but also provides a more accessible option for patients, enhancing their care experience.