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New £9.1m surgical hub opens at Ipswich Hospital

News

A state-of-the-art £9.1 million surgical hub has opened its doors at Ipswich Hospital, offering advanced keyhole surgery capabilities. The development aims to reduce patient recovery times and increase treatment capacity.

The big picture: The new facility includes three specialist theatres, a recovery area, and a post-operative care unit. It's designed to handle various procedures, including general surgery, ENT, oral surgery, and urology.

Ribbon cutting with Ipswich mayor councillor Elango Elavalakan
Ribbon cutting with Ipswich mayor councillor Elango ElavalakanESNEFT

Why it matters: The hub's focus on keyhole surgery and same-day procedures could lead to:

  • Quicker patient recovery times

  • Reduced hospital stays

  • Increased capacity to treat more patients

Key features:

  • Located above the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre

  • Linked to the main hospital via the first-floor south corridor

  • Includes a same-day admissions ward

What they're saying: Karen Lough, Director of Elective Care at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said, "We are delighted that this important new development is now open and welcoming patients."

On keyhole surgery benefits, Lough added: "This is great for patients, as it leads to less pain and scarring and a quicker recovery. This type of surgery is also good news for the NHS as patients do not need to stay in hospital for as long, in turn allowing us to see and treat more people on our waiting lists."

The bottom line: The new surgical hub represents a significant investment in Ipswich's healthcare infrastructure, promising improved patient experiences and increased efficiency for the NHS.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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