Ninth operating theatre means more surgery time

Dunedin Hospital's ninth operating theatre is expected to increase available surgical time by 40 hours a week, the Southern District Health Board says.

Responding to concerns it did not have enough staff to run all nine theatres, the health board said the theatre was expected to garner a net increase in surgery.

After some delays, the theatre was now set to open on Monday for patients. Surgical general manager Lynley Irvine said a locum anaesthetist would provide cover until more permanent anaesthetists arrived later this year.

''We will be able to run all operating theatres when required.

''Total surgical time is expected to increase by 40 hours per week,'' Ms Irvine said.

Contractors had handed over the theatre, where health staff were training to use new equipment, she said.