Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has unveiled a £300,000 investment at its world-renowned centre of excellence for orthopaedic surgery, Wrightington Hospital to ensure it remains at the forefront of medical education, innovation and training.
A new, state-of-the-art Bioskills Lab now stands as a flagship hub for hands‑on learning, surgical skills development, and pioneering healthcare training – the only one of its kind in the North West. The new, updated, enhanced environment will empower clinicians, trainees, and researchers to refine their expertise using modern, high‑quality resources, reflecting the evolving demands of contemporary medicine while drawing on the pioneering history of the site.
Professor Adam Watts, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Wrightington Hospital, celebrated the transformation, saying: “Wrightington has always been a beacon for surgical innovation, ever since Professor Sir John Charley pioneered the hip replacement in the 1960s. This new investment into our Bioskills Lab ensures that our current and future NHS workforce has access to the best training environment possible, ultimately translating to the highest standards of care and outcomes for our patients.”
This ambitious refurbishment was made possible thanks to a generous £300,000 investment from WWL’s own Three Wishes Charity, through its Wrightington Wish fund. The funding has delivered significant upgrades, including improved ventilation and lighting in the main lab, refreshed utility areas, new changing facilities for course delegates, and a full decorative overhaul to create a brighter, more inspiring space.
Emily Mundon, Three Wishes Fundraising Manager, highlighted the impact of community generosity: “This refurbishment is a fantastic example of how the kindness of our supporters directly enhances patient care. Thanks to donations to our Wrightington Wish fund, we’ve created a space where healthcare teams can grow their skills and confidence, the benefits of which will be felt, not only by those who train here, but by every patient they go on to care for.”
The opening of the revitalised Bioskills Lab marks a significant step forward in Wrightington Hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education. By providing cutting‑edge facilities and an enriched learning environment, the hospital continues to champion innovation, professional development, and the highest standards of patient care both for its staff and external trainees.