At Royal Bolton Hospital, we have a number of theatres supporting a wide range of surgical specialities across different areas of the hospital, including the Elective Care Centre in J Block (orange zone). Our main theatre suite is located on the second floor (blue zone).
Alongside planned procedures, we also provide urgent and emergency care, with dedicated theatre facilities across several specialties, including maternity, urology and ophthalmology (eye care).
Our Surgical Care Unit (SCU) is a smaller unit for patients having more minor procedures, usually under local anaesthetic. It is based on the first floor of G Block (blue zone), next to our Surgical Triage Unit.
The Surgical Triage Unit (STU) cares for patients referred from the Emergency Department or their GP who need an urgent surgical procedure. Patients are assessed quickly in the ED and if necessary, transferred to the unit to help reduce waiting times and ensure timely access to treatment.
You may also hear this unit described as our Surgical SDEC (same day emergency care) – which basically means having surgical assessment and treatment in the same day, without having to be admitted to hospital overnight.
We provide a wide range of procedures, including complex upper gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery (including for some cancers), and a broad range of planned and emergency laparoscopic (keyhole) operations.
We also have a vascular surgery service that manages complex blood vessel conditions.
Our Trauma and Orthopaedic Department provides a wide range of musculoskeletal services, from orthopaedic medicine to complex surgery. For more information about the wider service, please click here.
Anaesthetics
Our Anaesthetic Service supports our teams to care for patients before, during and after surgery.
You can find more information about sedation here.
Preparing for surgery
While you're waiting for surgery or treatment, there are lots of simple and positive steps you can take to look after your physical and emotional wellbeing. These can help you feel more prepared for your procedure and support a smoother recovery afterwards. You can find a full range of resources here.
We've created some helpful guides for some of our routine operations, to help you familiarise yourself and prepare the best you can.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS+)
ERAS+ supports patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, such as surgery for bowel cancer.
All patients having these operations at Bolton are offered the ERAS+ programme as it helps you prepare well and recover more quickly.
For more information, visit the ERAS+ website or speak to your consultant.
