The service at Braintree Community Hospital, which is expected to launch this summer, will mean patients needing orthopaedic procedures which don't need to be carried out in a theatre will be seen sooner.

Ayse Casey, deputy director of operations, trauma and orthopaedics at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The room is a fantastic addition to Braintree Community Hospital, so patients coming to us for a simple procedure can be seen in a better environment.

‘The new procedure room will free up our main theatres for more complex surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements, which means it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to care for our patients.'

Work is also underway on Braintree's community diagnostic centre which will be based at the same site.

The centre will offer diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans, ultrasounds, x-rays, blood tests and heart and lung checks, helping local residents get quicker diagnoses and the treatment.