Modern methods of construction (MMC) specialist MTX has completed a new, state-of-the-art operating theatre at Wrightington Hospital in Lancashire.
Commissioned by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), the new facility is designed to expand the hospital’s surgical capacity and support efforts to reduce NHS waiting lists across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
The hospital, a recognised regional orthopaedic hub, is best known for its pioneering role in hip replacement surgery.
The project features a laminar flow clean air system, which significantly lowers the risk of infection during orthopaedic procedures and promotes faster patient recovery.
Modern methods of construction specialist MTX has completed a new, state-of-the-art operating theatre at Wrightington Hospital in Lancashire.
Approximately 1,200 high-volume, low complexity orthopaedic procedures are expected to be undertaken in the new theatre each year, a vital contribution in the largest elective specialty in Greater Manchester.
Constructed using precision-engineered, factory-built structural steel modules, the theatre was delivered to site and craned into position before internal fit out. MTX’s application of MMC principles meant that groundworks and off-site manufacturing progressed simultaneously, enabling faster, safer, and more sustainable delivery compared to traditional methods.
The scheme also includes a new recovery area, expanding the number of recovery beds from three to five, along with a dedicated plant room housing pre-manufactured mechanical and electrical systems.
The development directly connects to existing operating theatres built by MTX in 2013.
Approximately 1,200 high-volume, low complexity orthopaedic procedures are expected to be undertaken in the new theatre each year
In addition to the new suite, MTX has completed the fit out of a further ultra-clean theatre as part of the project’s second phase. Works were carefully planned to minimise disruption to the existing Phase 1 theatre and recovery area, which remained operational throughout.
David Hartley, Managing Director at MTX, commented: “We’re proud to once again work alongside Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This latest theatre build continues a legacy of delivering high-quality, modern surgical facilities that reflect both the Trust’s and MTX’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare construction.”
Wrightington Hospital achieved Surgical Hub accreditation in 2023 under the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, recognising its adherence to the highest clinical and operational standards.
In addition to the new suite, MTX has completed the fit out of a further ultra-clean theatre as part of the project’s second phase
The £6.1 million project was funded through NHS England’s Targeted Investment Funds (TIF) alongside Trust capital, contributing to a total £9.6 million investment for two new theatres and associated recovery areas.
Mary Fleming, Chief Executive of WWL, added: “The new development will allow us to safely and efficiently manage a higher volume of day case surgical patients well into the future. It’s fantastic news for local residents and patients across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. Notably, 40% of the patient activity here will support mutual aid for those facing long waits in other organisations, reinforcing our role in addressing elective care backlogs.”
Founded on the groundbreaking work of Professor Sir John Charnley, who performed the first total hip replacement at Wrightington in 1962, the hospital remains at the forefront of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, continuing to attract leading consultants and specialists in joint surgery, rheumatology, and rehabilitation.
