WORK to transform Victoria Infirmary (VIN) into a state-of-the-art medical facility is underway.

It was announced last autumn that £1.7million was to be invested by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHT) in transforming the much-loved facility, but there are hopes there will be more to come.

Despite plans to provide health services at a brand new building in Weaver Square falling through, the investment in the VIN was seen as the next best option for the town and its residents.

Northwich Guardian: • Contractors are continuing with the foundations and other associated works to prepare services• Contractors are continuing with the foundations and other associated works to prepare services

Speaking at Northwich Town Council meeting on Monday, April 4, Cllr Kate Cernik confirmed that work was now underway, with some services being available from as early as the end of May.

"Building work is going on as we speak," she said.

"There was a really positive meeting with James Sumner (MCHT's chief executive) at the end of last week.

"As part of this investment, the VIN will have a drive-thru Spirometry Unit and a CT scanner.

"Both of those services are coming now, with the first patients being seen by the end of May.

"The drive-thru Spirometry Unit is actually a very innovative way of doing this procedure.

"There is a strong possibility that further large-scale investment will be coming online too."

Northwich Guardian: Construction of the modular building is taking place off-site with an overnight delivery planned for April 21Construction of the modular building is taking place off-site with an overnight delivery planned for April 21

Part of of those future plans include further modular building work at the VIN to enable it to provide 'cold surgery'.

Cllr Cernik explained: "We're talking about what's called 'high-volume/low cost surgery'.

"That's hopefully going to be coming in the following year.

"Although it's not confirmed it is highly likely to happen."

Despite James Sumner leaving MCHT in July to take up a post in Liverpool, Cllr Cernik does not think that will in any way affect the the future investment at the VIN.

"I have every confidence that we won't lose the VIN as a result," she added.

There will be more diagnostic tests available including: CT and MRI and DEXA scans, ultrasound, phlebotomy and cardio-respiratory assessments.

X-ray services have already been extended and the other services will become available in a phased approach from late May. 

New modular buildings will house new equipment and a new separate reception area is being built. 

It is hoped that with additional staff, services will eventually be available 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.