WORKS to create a new surgical centre at Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) have begun this week following initial planning approval.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received more than £14m funding to create a new surgical day centre – which will be known as The Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at Victoria Infirmary - the third such centre in the region.

Enabling works have started for the proposed development, which will eventually consist of a range of state-of-the-art clinical areas to support patient care, including two theatres covering ophthalmology and general surgery, recovery area and consulting rooms.

Northwich Guardian: The rear of the siteThe rear of the site (Image: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

The new centre – set to be completed by spring/summer 2024 - will be constructed with prefabricated elements, reducing time for completion and disruption to existing services.

It is intended that the historic Verdin Ward, located on the same site, will be fully refurbished. 

Ian Moston, chief executive said: “We are delighted to have been selected as a strategic location for one of the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centres.

“This development will enable many more patients to have their procedures, reduce waiting times and backlogs and significantly enhance patient experience.

Northwich Guardian: The proposed aerial viewThe proposed aerial view (Image: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

“Located on what we refer to as a ‘cold’ site, operations will be protected from the urgent and emergency care pressures at Leighton Hospital and other hospitals which can cause cancellations due to lack of bed availability.

“The new centre, along with the recent investment and creation of our Community Diagnostic Centre at the VIN supports our ambition of bringing crucial health services closer to home”

Karen Bowman, general manager of the VIN added: “We are acutely aware of the historical and community importance of Verdin House and the park.  

Northwich Guardian: An exterior viewAn exterior view (Image: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

“We have worked closely with council officers throughout the process to ensure that the enabling, demolition and construction works will be carried out sympathetically and with sensitivity to the environment.  

“We know how important the VIN is to our communities and we will ensure that we keep people updated and informed about the progress as well as identifying opportunities to share thoughts and feedback.

“Meanwhile we are grateful to our patients, visitors and staff for their patience while these works are carried out.”