Relocation of Bedfordshire vascular hub marks ‘significant milestone’ in transformation of care
The relocation of a vascular hub has been described as a ‘significant milestone’ in vascular care services across Bedfordshire.
The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes vascular hub is set to be relocated from Bedford Hospital to Luton and Dunstable University Hospital on Wednesday April 15.
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital will be home to a new vascular centre, featuring two state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatres, which provide facilities for open and endovascular surgery.
From April 15, all major vascular surgery, vascular interventional radiology procedures and emergency or planned vascular admissions will take place at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
As part of the relocation of operations in this area, a newly refurbished area will be opened, housing the vascular outpatient clinic and a new vascular laboratory.
In a statement Luton and Dunstable University Hospital said: “This major development marks a significant milestone in the transformation of vascular care across the region.
“Modern vascular surgery increasingly relies on a combination of traditional open techniques and minimally invasive endovascular procedures.
“The new hybrid theatres integrate advanced, high‑resolution imaging systems within a fully equipped surgical environment, enabling clinicians to switch seamlessly between approaches during the same operation.”
Many outpatient appointments, diagnostics and minor procedures, including varicose vein surgery, will continue to be delivered at patients’ local hospitals across the Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes area.
As part of the redesign of services, a Limb Salvage Clinic and chronic wound care clinic are being introduced within the vascular hub.