AMID controversy over the future of Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, orthopaedic patients are set to benefit from a new unit which opened its doors yesterday.

The new purpose-built Redditch Orthopaedic Centre (ROC) comes hot on the heels of other improvements to orthopaedic services at the Woodrow hospital.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Karl Bell, the hospital's clinical director for trauma and orthopaedics, said recent work had included the refurbishment of inpatient accommodation on ward 16 and an upgrade for the orthopaedic operating theatre in the summer.

"The new centre means we can provide everything in one location for our outpatients," he said.

"We have an outstanding clinical team delivering orthopaedic care and they now have some outstanding facilities in which to provide that care for our patients."

The ROC has 12 consulting rooms to house fracture clinics and orthopaedic and rheumatology outpatient clinics, and X-ray facilities and a plaster room.

A physiotherapist based in the department will see patients straight away where possible, and it will also be where people go for pre-operative assessments before a hip or knee replacement, as well as hip or knee classes to find out more about their operation.

The £2 million development was funded by the NHS through the Action On Orthopaedics programme, the West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority and Worcestershire Acute Trust's own funds.

The hospital's League of Friends also lent a helping hand, donating the proceeds of its summer fete to equip a patient information room in the centre.

Jo Harper, General Manager for Surgical Specialties at the Alex, said: "All the staff are very excited about the Redditch Orthopaedic Centre opening.

"After all the planning and development, it will be wonderful to see patients finally using the new unit."