The construction of two new operating theatres at the birthplace of the NHS – Trafford General Hospital – has been given the go-ahead.

Councillors on Trafford’s planning and development management committee gave the plan the thumbs up, despite concerns from nearby residents over disruption during building work.

The development will take place at the centre of the complex of buildings towards the Bowers Avenue frontage of the site.

Included in the plans are two operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms, two preparation rooms, two dirty utility rooms, two scrub bays, a disposal hold, an equipment bay, a theatre store and cylinder store.

The first floor will accommodate plant rooms and an external plant deck with an external staircase to provide roof access. 

Welcoming the plan, Cllr Balil Babar said: “Trafford General Hospital is something to be proud of.

“I’ve been there many times for myself and with family members.”

Cllr Meena Minnis, herself an NHS clinical-scientist at another local hospital, echoed his thoughts, saying: “I was very happy to see this application. It is much needed. 

“In 2022, one of the residents in my ward who had waited five years for a hip replacement had to go to a private hospital out of the area. All sorts of arrangements had to be made to get her there for her appointments and treatment. This will stop that kind of thing.

“These theatres are needed for hip and knee replacements, gynaecological and urology treatments.”

Cllr Dan Jerome also supported the plan and pointed out that most of the objections were surrounding the construction process.

“There’s lots of good things about this plan,” he said. “I don’t think the fears of residents outweigh the benefits of these new operating theatres. 

“If you live near a hospital you have to accept that certain things are going to be visible.”

Trafford General Hospital has been identified as a non-designated heritage asset and is widely regarded as the first NHS hospital and was officially opened in 1948.