NORTHWICH'S new state-of-the-art surgical centre is marking one year of providing specialist care.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre, based at Victoria Infirmary, opened to patients in June 2025.
The centre features two advanced operating theatres - one dedicated to cataract surgery and another for orthopaedics, ENT, dermatology, urology, and pain management.
It serves as a centre of excellence for cataract care and provides referral to treatment in three weeks or less, , helping to reduce waiting time for cataract surgery.
Jacqueline Wilson, from Kingsmead in Northwich, was one of the first patients to undergo cataract surgery at the centre.
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 is 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."
The centre was established with £23 million of funding from NHS England, via NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board.
Grant Guthrie, consultant ophthalmologist, is among the staff recruited to work at the centre.
He said: "This past year has flown by, and it has been a privilege to work here, with such an amazing team.
"As a local surgical centre, this facility is bringing first-class care closer to those who matter most, our patients.
"It is also allowing us to reduce waiting lists and significantly improve the health of the local community."
Russ Favager, board senior responsible officer for the Leighton New Hospital programme and estates redevelopment at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT), said: "Congratulations to everyone at the surgical centre for what they have achieved over the past year.
"This fantastic, state-of-the-art facility plays a key part in the trust’s strategy and ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services closer to where people live, bringing care into the heart of the community."
Dr Fiona Lemmens, executive clinical director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "This milestone is a testament to the dedication of staff, whose hard work continues to improve the lives of people across Cheshire and Merseyside.
"Surgical centres are playing a vital role in ensuring patients have quicker access to the procedures they need by providing thousands of additional appointments, reducing waiting times and improving their overall experience of care."
Share