Surgery units descend on hospital

The surgery units are fitted out with X-ray viewing machines

Two operation theatres have been hauled by cranes into the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital in central London.

A 500-tonne crane hoisted the theatres 200ft (61m) into the air, over a seven-storey building and into place in the hospital's courtyard.

The ready-made surgery units are fitted out with X-ray viewing machines and other equipment.

The units, which cost a total of £1.5m, will replace two operation theatres which will close for upgrades.

Surgery lights and operating tables will be fitted once the units have been installed in the hospital's Lambeth wing, which is opposite Parliament.

Adrian Edge, from PKL Healthcare which supplied the units, said: "This installation is particularly complex because of the congested central London location and the height the units have to be lifted to clear the building."