SURGEONS at Colchester General Hospital say a £788,000 upgrade of two keyhole surgery operating theatres will keep care standards high.

The two theatres in the hospital’s main block will this summer be fitted with new scopes and high-definition equipment, which could be upgraded for 3D technology in the future.

New floors and anaesthetic rooms will be added as well.

Tan Arulampalam, consultant surgeon, said the better quality images would result in improved care for patients.

He said: “The theatres continue to perform well but the equipment is now about a decade old.

“The high definition signals will allow more accurate identification of structures and enable the surgeon to dissect tissues more accurately."

Evening sessions will be held to ensure patients will be seen while each of the theatres are closed for upgrade.