ONE of the top independent hospitals in the country has a state-of-the-art operating theatre, thanks to a firm of Farnworth engineering specialists.

The London Clinic asked Howorth Airtech, based on Lorne Street, to design and construct its newest and largest operating theatre - purpose-built to accommodate groundbreaking robotic surgery.

The new operating theatre at the clinic brings the total to 12.

It will house the Da Vinci Surgical System, the latest advancement in robotic-assisted technology, which enables surgeons to treat prostate cancer by removing the prostate from outside the body using a laparoscope.

For the project, Howorth Airtech also manufactured one of the worlds most advanced ultra-clean ventilation systems, the Exflow 90-5, which means the theatre will be suitable for major orthopaedic surgery.

Chairman and managing director Leonard Morris said: "We are delighted to be associated with The London Clinic, whose international reputation can only be further enhanced by their introduction of the Da Vinci Surgical System."

Founded more than 100 years ago, Howorth Airtech moved into the medical sector in 1961 when Sir John Charnely, the world renowned orthopaedic surgeon, commissioned it to design what was to become the worlds first ultra clean air surgical enclosure.

The company now employs 90 people.

The London Clinic is one of London's largest and oldest not-for-profit independent hospitals.

It was opened in 1932 after a group of Harley Street consultants and GPs decided to build an independent acute general hospital.

The clinic is also a bone marrow harvesting centre for the Anthony Nolan Trust.