WYRE Forest youngsters are now able to undergo more personalised surgery closer to home thanks to the expansion of the children’s surgery at Kidderminster Hospital.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been increasing the amount of children’s surgery it can perform since 2016, recently adding ear, nose and throat surgery for tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies.

The Hospital has also introduced a dedicated all-day children’s operating list, which is one of the only hospitals in the Midlands to offer this.

On these days, the four operating theatres are converted into an exclusively paediatric environment, with child friendly screens, toys and play equipment, and theatre staff even wear child friendly theatre hats.

The theatre team along with children’s nurses, play specialists and medical specialists all work together to provide specialist paediatric services and support.

Mathew Trotman, Theatres Matron at the Trust, said: “We are one of few Trusts who can offer a dedicated all day children’s service and it makes a real difference to our patients as it is such a friendly and welcoming environment.

"The service has been a wonderful achievement and we are grateful to everyone who has been involved in the meticulous planning and preparation required to launch the all-day service.

"We’re really proud of all our Trust teams providing safe, high quality paediatric care and this is reflected in the feedback as we see a high level of patient satisfaction.”

Leo Leverett-Hawes, age 10, who recently underwent surgery at Kidderminster. His mum Jill said: “The care was fantastic. Staff were great at letting Leo know what was going on throughout.”