First patient welcomed to new theatre suite

8 August 2013

The first patient to use one of six new state-of-the-art operating theatres at Taranaki Base Hospital was welcomed for surgery today.

Elise Jones, and her husband Ryan expecting their first baby, was wheeled into theatre today to have a caesarian section.

Elise and Ryan moved back to New Plymouth last year from London. “We came home to do the settling thing. We got the house and the dog and the baby came a bit quicker than we thought,” laughed Elise. “The baby was in the five year plan.”

Mrs Jones was a bit nervous about the prospect of her surgery but she was excited to be the first in the new theatre suite. “I didn’t know I was going to be the first patient, but this sort of random thing often happens to me. I was born on the same day, time and year as Prince William, but we are not expecting a George!”

Taranaki Base Hospital theatre staff are very excited to at last be moving into their brand new expanded theatre facility.

The six new theatres and 12 bed capacity Post Anaesthetic Care Unit provide the ability to cope with all of our predicted needs well into the future.

The theatres are fitted out with brand new equipment utilising the latest technology. Staff have been busy familiarising themselves with the new environment and equipment so that they are well prepared for the first patient to be operated on.

Theatre coordinator Rebecca Lobb said it was fitting to have a caesarean as the first procedure. “A new start - a new life,” she said. “It’s a nice way to begin.”

“The whole theatre suite is fantastic. It is such an improvement to have everyone together. Much better for patients and for staff,” she said.  “The space is amazing.”

And if Taranaki Base Hospital staff can help it, all patients will have as much confidence in the service as their first patient through.

Soon after the caesarean Mrs Jones said she was very happy with her baby girl.  “The staff in theatre were amazing. So supportive and so swift,” she said.

Ryan added: “It was a good first time for everyone! Well done. ”  

Last year around 6000 operations were performed at Taranaki Base Hospital for the people of Taranaki.

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Thursday, August 8, 2013