The new operating theatres will open in spring 2025. They will treat patients who are on the waiting list for hip and knee surgery, spinal injections and minor ear, nose, and throat (ENT) operations.
Building work is underway and we are keeping nearby residents informed about these works.
What are elective surgical hubs?
Elective surgical hubs are hospital sites that offer access to common operations and procedures. They are typically located in a separate area or building within a bigger hospital.
Surgical hubs have been operating successfully in other parts of the country for some time. In order to provide more capacity for planned surgery and help to reduce waiting times more surgical hubs are now being set up, such as the one located at St Albans.
This video from the Patients Association explains more about surgical hubs and how they benefit patients.
This short animation explains the potential benefits of having planned surgery at an elective surgical hub and guides you through the process. You’ll learn about the purpose of surgical hubs and how they help reduce waiting times for treatment. It also explains what is involved if you are offered the option of having your surgery at a hub and shares the experiences of patients who have used a hub.
Choosing to have your operation at the surgical hub
Patients waiting for operations at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Lister Hospital in Stevenage, or Watford General Hospital will be offered the choice of going to the elective care hub if it can provide their operation or procedure more quickly.
You can choose to stay on the waiting list of your current hospital if you prefer. We will inform you about the waiting times at the elective care hub compared to your current hospital to help you make an informed decision.
If you choose to go to the elective care hub you will go there for your operation or procedure only. You will have all other appointments including outpatient appointments, pre-operative assessment and any follow-up care at your current hospital.
Why St Albans is the chosen site for the elective care hub
Local NHS leaders selected St Albans City Hospital as the location for the new hub after considering several possible locations in Hertfordshire and West Essex. This is West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s planned care site for surgery and some cancer services. It made sense to expand existing services there and it has the space needed to look after recovering patients.
Getting to and from the elective care hub
We understand that some patients will find it more difficult to travel to and from St Albans for their operation or procedure and we want to help where we can. We are considering how we might support patients who are unable to make their own travel arrangements or who will need extra help or assistance, particularly after their operation. We are considering options including the patient transport service and supported travel.
How the elective care hub is being funded
The hub is mostly funded by NHS England using national funding for tackling waiting lists which built up during the Covid-19 pandemic. The local NHS is providing some of the funding.
