AMBITIOUS plans to transform Leighton Hospital have been unveiled by NHS bosses.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has revealed a first look at plans for a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable facility at Leighton.

The trust says it needs to change the way it provides care in future to meet the needs of a population which is getting larger, growing older, and has increasing needs.

It adds that work is also continuing with partners on plans to develop a new Victoria Infirmary in Northwich which will provide existing and new services to Northwich residents in modern healthcare buildings.

James Sumner, chief executive at the trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to share these exciting new proposals for a new Leighton Hospital.

Northwich Guardian:

“This will be a hugely important project to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in the local area.

“Our ambitious plan will deliver a hospital that is fit for purpose for the future and designed around the needs of our patients, their families and our staff.

“We have a clear strategic vision for the future of Leighton Hospital and we are now working up the detailed costings – achieving our vision is dependent on securing appropriate funding."

The trust says Leighton Hospital is in need of significant renovation and is not suitable for delivering modern healthcare services in its current form due to its size, layout and an extensive list of required repairs.

Rather than continue to spend considerable money to bring an unsuitable site to an acceptable standard, the trust says a new facility would offer exceptional, modern healthcare.

The plan would see 85 per cent of the existing site rebuilt over a number of phases, to make sure existing services are not disrupted.

James added: “As our plans progress we will very much want to hear from everyone who has an interest in the hospital, to ensure that our plans consider their ideas and aspirations."

The trust says it is working with a strategic partner to develop the proposal in more detail, with more detailed plans expected next February.