Royal Oldham announce the name of new emergency hub

A surgeon who was an inspiration to colleagues at Royal Oldham Hospital is the namesake of the hospital’s new £28m extension.

The chosen name, the Hulton Building, was decided through an open vote involving Northern Care Alliance (NCA) colleagues from across the trust. 

They overwhelmingly voted for the new hub site to be named after the consultant, the late Mr Neil Hulton. 

It is the first time a building of this size and stature at the Oldham site has been named in honour of a former colleague. 

Mr Hulton worked at The Royal Oldham Hospital for more than 25 years as a consultant general and vascular surgeon. He also held the position of medical director training future surgeons and was known as a pioneer of keyhole surgery in Oldham.  

David Jago, Oldham Care Organisation chief officer, said: “The construction of this new facility will make a huge difference to how we are able to care for patients in the region with serious colorectal conditions.  It is a significant investment for the trust, when naming the building it was important that we considered the community we serve and our amazing colleagues.   

“We are delighted that our colleagues have come together and chosen a name that will honour a surgeon who influenced many. The Hulton Building will be a long-lasting legacy to his incredible work.” 

Work began on The Royal Oldham Hospital’s four-storey extension earlier this year. When it opens, it will serve as the Greater Manchester hub site for high risk and emergency general and colorectal surgery.

The construction of the external structure is now complete with work now started to erect all the floors, walls, and ceilings to the extension.

As part of the investment, it was announced that there will be a major theatre refurbishment, the introduction of new rehabilitation facilities and most importantly additional beds.  

Kim Ridgway, gastroenterology service clinical lead added: "We are incredibly excited about the new site as it will allow us to expand our service to gastro patients and create more capacity within the community. 

“There will be additional welcome space for both patients and colleagues with the new facility reducing wait times.  I know that our medical teams are really looking forward to the opening of The Hulton Building and the step change it will make to the patient experience through the additional facilities and the extra space that will undoubtedly help with recovery.”  

As part of NCA's social value commitment, they have worked with IHP, the contractors for the project, and appointed five apprentices from Oldham College to work onsite. The young apprentices will gain hands-on experience working on a large-scale project, also working towards the mission of inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.  

The new hub site will welcome its first patients in late 2023.