Kier Construction North & Scotland, a branch of the UK-based construction company, is in the final stages of construction of the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre.
The state-of-the-art centre located at Victoria Infirmary in Northwich is set 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
- The other functioning as a multi-specialty theatre accommodating orthopaedics
- ENT
- Dermatology
- General surgery
- Pain management
- Ophthalmic treatment room
- Recovery area
- Consulting rooms
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.
The state-of-the-art centre located at Victoria Infirmary in Northwich is set to open in the spring
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.
The most recent work has included completion of the integrated plumbing system with all sanitary ware fitted
“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.”
Historic find during construction
As part of this development, the historic Verdin Ward is being refurbished to bring the building up to current standards while preserving its historic importance.
During work in the Verdin Ward, a number of coins were found, which are all dated 1902. Another 1904 florin coin, which is a two-shilling coin issued during the reign of King Edward VII, was also found, along with two newspapers, the Northwich Guardian from Saturday 20 August 1904, and the Northwich Chronicle, also from Saturday 20 August 1904.
During work in the Verdin Ward, a number of coins were found, which are all dated 1902
Paul Taylor, Project Manager for Kier Construction North & Scotland, which is building the surgical centre and renovating the Verdin Ward, said: “It’s an amazing find. The artefacts were found buried in a hollow in an engraved foundation stone, similar to a time capsule.
“To preserve the stone, it was carefully removed so it could be relocated to a more prominent position and it was then that the newspaper and coins were discovered.
“Finding and holding these pieces of history was a very surreal moment; it felt like stepping back in time and connecting with the people and events from that era. It’s incredible that they have lasted so long hidden from everyone, but we’re really pleased to have been able to uncover them and provide this snapshot of life from over 100 years ago.”
Top image: Construction on Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre
