Over 300 patients benefit as hand surgery in Minor Operating Procedure Rooms expands across the Health Board

2 July 2025

More than 300 patients have now undergone successful hand surgery in dedicated Minor Operating Procedure (MOPs) Rooms across the Health Board.

In 2023, two MOPs Rooms were established at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Llandudno Hospital to carry out a range of procedures, including carpal tunnel release, removal of small soft tissue cysts, and tendon interventions. These rooms were designed to deliver high-quality surgical care in a streamlined, patient-focused setting—outside of traditional operating theatres.

The initiative was the result of a collaborative effort between Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Miss Louisa Banks, Mr Preetham Kodumuri and Mr Edwin Jesudason. United by a shared vision, all three surgeons were committed to exploring innovative ways to deliver safe, effective, and efficient hand surgery.

Due to its success, the service has since expanded to include MOPs rooms at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Glan Clwyd Hospital, further improving access for patients across the region.

Mr Jesudason, who operates at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Llandudno Hospital, said: “Our minor procedure room pathway has now become embedded in clinical practice at Ysbyty Gwynedd and continues to be hugely successful. We have slashed costs, reduced our carbon footprint, improved productivity, and—most importantly—enhanced the overall patient experience.

“Patients are no longer required to be admitted. Instead, they attend a clinic appointment, have their procedure, and are usually on their way home within the hour. This dramatically reduces anxiety and makes for a much more positive experience.

“What was once an exciting innovation is now simply the way we work.”

The expansion of the MOPs service represents a major step forward in delivering modern, patient-centred care—making surgical treatment for hand surgery more accessible, efficient, and sustainable across the Health Board.

Mr Kodumuri, from Wrexham Maelor Hospital said: "Since its inception in 2021, we have successfully envisioned and delivered a forward-thinking model of care for hand surgery through dedicated Minor Operating Procedure Rooms. This initiative, deeply supported by our committed clinical teams, began as a pilot and has now earned national and international recognition.

“We are immensely proud to have positioned Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board as a standard-bearer for exemplary care in both Wales and the wider UK. The response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive—thanks to the convenience, reduced waiting times, and improved overall experience. Not only has this approach allowed us to cut down on surgical waiting lists, but it has also demonstrated how innovation and collaboration can fundamentally transform NHS care for the better.”

Miss Banks, from Glan Clwyd Hospital added: "At Glan Clwyd Hospital, we have been aiming for a MOPs room for a long time, so it is a fantastic achievement by all involved, to get it up and running.

“We aim to provide a less stressful, more streamlined patient experience, whilst still maintaining high surgical standards; coupled with more environmentally friendly hand surgery. We are proud to be able to offer this service across the whole of the Health Board."