A STATE-OF-THE-ART treatment centre was due to open its doors to patients today in a bid to slash hospital waiting lists in Worcestershire.

The £19m centre at Kidderminster Hospital is one of four being launched across the country and will treat patients from across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

The first outpatient clinics were set to start today at the centre - located in the completely renovated E-Block at the hospital and will operate independently from the county's main hospitals.

It is designed to avoid minor operations being cancelled, which can happen when unexpected influxes hit A&E departments and emergency patients are given priority.

The centre has courted controversy and was dubbed a waste of money by health campaigners, who protested at the loss of blue light facilities and inpatient services at the hospital, which was downgraded more than three years ago.

"This is a tremendously exciting time for everyone who has been involved in the project," said David Evans, treatment centre general manager.

"The new building looks fantastic and provides an outstanding facility for our patients and staff."

Operating theatres have also been transferred to the new site, with the first procedures to be carried out later this week.

The Primary Care Centre, which provides an out-of-hours GP service, also moves into the Treatment Centre tomorrow.

The idea behind the facility is similar to two new 'mobile centres' run by South African company Netcare, designed to reduce cataract operation waiting lists.

It is hoped the new Kidderminster centre will also slash times for those awaiting minor surgery such as hip operations, and will see patients being treated and diagnosed in a shorter period of time.

The centre could also help reduce the massive £12.4m deficit of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, announced by director of finance David Moon on Thursday.

Access to the new Minor Injuries Unit is through the entrance nearest to Bewdley Road and is clearly sign-posted. From today, access to the hospital for all other patients will be through the hospital's main entrance but the C-Block entrance will be closed.