HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn visited Warrington Hospital yesterday to open the new 38 bed Daresbury Orthopaedic Unit.
During his stay, the Minister promoted the modernisation of NHS services, of which the newly formed North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seen as a prime example.
The opening of the new unit will mean waiting times for orthopaedic surgery will be significantly cut. The fully equipped former private hospital was purchased for just £750,000. Containing fabulous rooms and state-of-the-art operating theatres, its current value is estimated at £5 million.
During his visit the Secretary of State listened to presentations on improving ovarian cancer, modernising emergency care and tackling inequalities before visiting the new £2.5 million entrance, a new 29-bed medical assessment unit, the critical care unit and A and E department.
Alan Milburn said: "I think the changes to the hospital are first rate and it shows you can make these reforms with the correct staff and the availability of resources. These are examples of leading edge reforms taking place in Warrington.
"This shows that if you put investment in you will get the higher standard of care that NHS patients deserve."
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