THE HOSPITAL'S new £4 million urology unit has welcomed its first patients.

The building's shell was constructed in a factory and brought to the site where it was kitted out.

The new unit includes an operating theatre and wards to allow day case patients to be cared for and discharged the same day.

Urology Department Manager Kayleigh Newton said: “The whole department has been designed to improve patient flow and make for a better patient experience.

“It will provide us with more capacity, allowing us to see more patients and utilise the skills of our expert staff, in continuing to provide patients with excellent care.

“The facilities here will also mean we are more sustainable as a department because of the number of sessions we run and the quantity of patients we see.”

David Miller was one of the first patients to be seen in the new unit when it opened last Monday.

He said: "It was bright and welcoming with a relaxing atmosphere.

"Also, staff were friendly and very welcoming.

"This will make my treatment visits more pleasant.”

The urology department looks after people struggling with a variety of conditions.

These might be illnesses affecting their kidneys, like kidney stones or problems with their bladder, like a urine infection.

Royal Bolton Hospital urology team also works closely with Salford Royal Hospital and the Christie to deliver its cancer care.

The new unit gives the urology team more room to work in and specific rooms for patient assessment and consultations, as well as areas for diagnostic tests and investigations.

The design of the new site, around a central reception area, with assessment, diagnostic and consultation rooms to one side of the building and the operating theatre and day case suite on the other side, has been thought out to improve the speed of patients coming through the hospital.

By streamlining the process the hospital hopes there will be better flow for patients with fewer delays or cancellations.

Work first started on the urology unit in November last year and the modern off-site building method is designed to be quicker and help reduce faults.

Ms Newton said: "The whole team are very excited to be moving. We have been looking forward to it for a long time.

"It will be an honour and a privilege in continuing to provide our patients excellent care, as we always have, this time in a purpose-built unit.

"This will improve the experiences of our patients.”