Official opening of new NHS surgical centre in Northwich

The ribbon has been cut to mark the official opening of the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre, part of the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich (VIN).

Megan Nurse, chair of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was joined by Andrew Cooper, MP for Mid Cheshire, Cllr Bob Cernik, Deputy Mayor of Northwich Town Council, and Ian Moston, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to formally unveil the new surgical centre.

The Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre boasts 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 is also an ophthalmic treatment room, recovery area and consulting rooms.

The centre will treat around 12,000 patients each year, including a large number of ‘high volume low complexity’ patients from across the region who require less complex operations and procedures.

This will help reduce waiting times for patients, with an immediate focus on those who have the longest waits for treatment.

The centre will become a cataract centre of excellence, and a regional hub for outstanding cataract care. This will mean fewer people waiting for cataract surgery, with referral to treatment in three weeks or less, as well as improved patient care.

While the official opening took place on Monday 30 June 2025, the surgical centre opened to patients on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Jacqueline Wilson, from Kingsmead in Northwich, was among the first to have cataract surgery at the centre. She praised the care and support she received, and how staff made her feel at ease before, during, and after her treatment.

She said:

“I was very nervous, but the staff, from the moment you arrive, take care of you, and explain to you very clearly what’s going to happen.

“This level of care goes right through to the surgery and the surgeon talks to you during the procedure. When out of surgery, I was looked after and given lots of information about how to take care of my eye.”

Megan Nurse, Chair of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“It’s a fantastic facility and absolutely re-iterates our commitment and investment in Northwich. I’ve already had the chance to meet and speak to very satisfied patients. I’m sure this surgical centre will become valued addition to this community and wider region.”

Ian Moston, Chief Executive Officer of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“A few years ago we proudly opened the Community Diagnostic Centre here are VIN, and now we are proud to open this surgical centre. This demonstrates the Trust’s long-term commitment to the Victoria Infirmary and this community. Having a dedicated elective surgical capacity here to serve the community is an enormous asset for the future, and an opportunity to help reduce the backlog of people waiting for surgery.”

Cllr Cernik said:

“The Victoria Infirmary has been an important and recognisable part of the Northwich community ever since local businessman and philanthropist, Robert Verdin, donated the house to the town for use as a hospital in 1886. By having such a facility here in Northwich it ensures local people have access to high-quality surgical care close to where they live.”

Kier Construction North & Scotland undertook the build, along with the renovation of the Verdin Ward, which has been fully refurbished and brought up to current standards, while preserving its historic importance.

Pictured - (left to right) Ian Moston, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Megan Nurse, chair of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cllr Bob Cernik, Deputy Mayor of Northwich Town Council; and Andrew Cooper MP for Mid Cheshire.