The new Altrincham hospital – one step closer (From Messenger Newspapers)

The new Altrincham hospital – one step closer

9:10am Friday 13th January 2012 in News

CENTRAL Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has pledged its commitment to the new hospital development for Altrincham.

A new project board that will ensure continuity in delivery of the project - following the transfer of the management of Trafford hospitals to Central Manchester from April 1, held its first meeting yesterday.

Adrian Roberts, executive director of finance at Central Manchester, who is chairing the new board, said: “We have put this project board in place to ensure that we continue to push this important project forward step by step, right through to the current period of transition in the overall management of Trafford hospitals.

“Trafford Healthcare Trust has done a great job in progressing the project to this point and we want to ensure that this momentum is not lost, even for one month, on the project to deliver the new Altrincham Hospital.”

Dr Simon Musgrave, medical director for Trafford Healthcare, said: “We are delighted that Altrincham is on the verge of getting these state-of-the-art facilities. The new hospital will provide all the same services as the existing Altrincham General Hospital, but in a much more modern, patient-friendly facility. It will also provide us with the opportunity to look at what other services could be provided within the hospital to best meet the needs of the residents of Altrincham.”

NHS Trafford managing director Graham Wallis added: "Having a new development in Altrincham is a key part of our commissioning strategy to develop integrated health and social care across the borough, so it is really pleasing to see this project moving forward."

Leader of Trafford Council and chairman of Altrincham Forward, Matt Colledge, said: “The new hospital is a key part of the regeneration of Altrincham town centre and will provide a modern and easily accessible facility for Trafford residents. I am delighted that the new Project Board has pledged its commitment to bringing this project to life.”

The current hospital building, which dates back to Victorian times, is in poor condition and has limited access for wheelchair users, people who have difficulty walking and families with child buggies.

The new hospital will be built on Railway Street, Altrincham in partnership with the developer, Citybranch Limited, and its technical partner, Pochin's PLC.

It is hoped that the planning application will be submitted during January.

Construction is likely to start on the site later this year and the new hospital could open in 2014.