STAFF at Trafford General Hospital are inviting people along to find out more about the expertise and wide range of services available there, on Friday, September 22 from 12.30pm – 4.30pm.

The event will be launched at 12.30pm by Kathy Cowell, chairman of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust (CMFT), who will outline the important role of Trafford General Hospital in the community and some of its recent achievements and plans for the future.

Visitors will be able to go on a guided tour of the facilities at the hospital and see a number of recent developments which include:

• A new-look restaurant facility for patients, visitors and staff.

• A new reception and enlarged waiting area in Trafford Urgent Care Centre.

• A new CT scanner.

• Ongoing refurbishment of the outpatient department.

• New library facilities.

The tour will also include a visit to the radiology (X-ray) department, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation, among others.

Trafford General Hospital provides a comprehensive range of outpatient, inpatient and daycase surgery, in addition to an urgent care facility which is open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.

Specialist services on site include:

• Manchester Orthopaedic Centre, the main centre for all planned orthopaedic operations in the CMFT family of hospitals.

• Trafford Macular Treatment Centre, an outpatient facility run by a specialist team from Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

• Care of the elderly is another area of expertise - recent developments include the appointment of a specialist nurse for dementia and the introduction of therapeutic activity co-ordinators to enhance the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients, particularly those with dementia. Two wards have achieved the Elder Quality Mark Award in recognition of the excellent care provided to older people

• Stroke unit – Trafford General has one of the top performing stroke units in the country.

• A third nurse consultant is due to join the senior nursing team in November and will be based on the continuing care ward. One nurse consultant is already based in the acute medical unit and the other in the urgent care centre.

Trafford General has an open visiting policy for the family and friends of patients and, together with its sister hospital in Altrincham, continues to receive a high number of compliments regarding the quality of its services and patient care.

“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to show local people what we are achieving at Trafford General and the extent of our services and expertise,” said Mary Burney, director of Trafford Hospitals.

“Not only where we are now but what we’re planning for the future. Please feel free to come along, meet our teams, and see what we have to offer.”

The event is being supported by Age UK, Trafford Carers, and Healthwatch Trafford.

Anybody interested in attending is welcome to pop along at any time in the afternoon – no need to book.

Tours will leave from the reception desk in the main entrance of Trafford General Hospital, Moorside Road, Davyhulme, Manchester M41 5SL.