Final phases of work at new surgical centre ahead of spring opening

With less than three months to go, the final phases of work are under way to create the state-of-the-art Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.

The centre is due to open in the spring and will provide a range of clinical areas to support patient care. These include two advanced operating theatres, one dedicated to cataract surgery and the other functioning as a multi-specialty theatre accommodating orthopaedics, ENT, dermatology, general surgery, and pain management.

There will also be an ophthalmic treatment room, recovery area and consulting rooms.

As part of this development, the historic Verdin Ward is also being refurbished to bring the building up to current standards and to preserve its historic importance.

The most recent work has included completion of the integrated plumbing system with all sanitary ware fitted; plastering and hygienic cladding installed in the theatres in preparation for the vinyl flooring to be laid; installation of internal doors, as well as wiring of electrical distribution boards, and installing a generator and building a brick generator housing.

Karen Simpson, Service Manager for the Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre, said:

“Ground works began in January 2023 and the steel frame arrived on site in January 2024. Since then, we have seen the work progress at pace. We’re now very close to completion.

“During the next few weeks, we’ll be taking delivery and installing all equipment, including some advanced medical technologies, such as High Acuity Patient Monitoring, Operating Microscope and Phaco System used in cataract surgery.

“The surgical centre will have a major impact on the care we provide to our communities. It will become a cataract centre of excellence, and a regional hub for outstanding cataract care. This will mean fewer people waiting for eye surgery, as well as improved patient care.

“Patients attending for cataract surgery will be treated by surgeons from both the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Patients will appear on a joint regional waiting list, which will be the first of its kind in Cheshire and Merseyside.

“This unique approach means equity of access for patients, alongside a high-quality and efficient experience. It also means a fast-track cataract service with referral to treatment in less than three weeks.”