Two brand-new operating theatres have opened in Lewisham to help tackle some of the highest waiting lists, writes Myfanwy Fleming-Jones…
They are specifically being used to support the high-volume demand for ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures.
The £20 million investment — including £13.5 million in national funding — for the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust service aims to reduce waiting times and address the growing backlog in planned ENT care.
The new facilities were formally opened on Thursday 19 March by Brenda Dacres OBE, alongside clinical staff and key stakeholders.
The Mayor of Lewisham said “This new surgical centre is fantastic news for Lewisham, a major investment in our borough that will cut waiting times and deliver faster, high-quality care for thousands of residents each year.
“I am incredibly proud to see this level of innovation and collaboration strengthening our local NHS and supporting the communities we serve.”
The expansion comes at a critical time. As of January 2026, more than 560,000 patients across the NHS are waiting for ENT procedures, one of the largest backlogs in the system.
Many of these procedures can now be carried out as day cases at the new centre, helping to accelerate treatment and improve patient experience.
Ben Travis, chief executive of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, said: “The Lewisham Surgical Centre will be a major boost to our activity, drive down waiting times and improve patient experience. It is the new jewel in the crown of our UHL site, and I am so proud of what we have achieved together.
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“We are already seeing the benefits and patient feedback is already extremely strong – fantastic news for us and the communities we serve. My profuse gratitude goes to everyone here in TeamLGT for making it happen and to our guests for sharing in the celebrations.”
This support for the new facilities was echoed by Sharon Hodgson MP, Minister for Public Health and Prevention as she commented on the benefit the government investing in and modernising the NHS was having on south-east London.
“With two new surgical theatres, the Lewisham Surgical Centre is one of many new sites across the country driving down waiting lists and getting patients seen on time.
“Ear, nose and throat conditions have some of the longest backlogs in the country, but brand-new centres like this are turning things around and showing the NHS is on the road to recovery,” Hodgson said.
