A NEW specialist arterial centre has opened at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

The centre will specialise in the management of vascular diseases, and disorders of the arteries, veins and lymphatic system.

Patients with vascular disorders will be cared for by dedicated specialist vascular teams at the centre with a consultant led vascular service providing 24/7 vascular surgery.

Approximately 1.3 million people in the South West will benefit from the new service.

The centre will provide round the clock access to vascular services with a dedicated 39-bed vascular ward staffed by a specialist team and a hybrid operating theatre.

Steve Sylvester, head of specialised commissioning, NHS England (Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire) said:

“To deliver a 24/7 service, clinicians, local patients, acute providers, CCGs and local authority colleagues have worked closely with us to design a care pathway where local dedicated vascular teams can now work together from this specialist centre in line with international best practice.

“I am very impressed by the level of commitment shown by all our partners in achieving our goal of a world class arterial centre for people in the area”

Mr Marcus Brooks, consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon, said: “The changes being made to local vascular services are going to bring great benefits for patients.”

“For the first time all patients in the area will have access to a team of experts under one roof. Bringing everyone together has meant we can update and improve the service.

“We believe that the new major arterial centre at Southmead Hospital Bristol will produce better outcomes for vascular surgery patients.”