Manchester Royal Infirmary has retained its royal patronage from the Royal Family as part of a celebration marking the anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Members of the Royal Family serve as Patrons for over 3000 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world.
As a result of the patronage, the hospital will receive invitations for special events and can even nominate staff who have given outstanding service to attend Royal events such as Garden Parties.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is also host to two other hospitals which have previously been given this status, with Manchester Royal Eye Hospital credited in 1867 and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in 1923.
Kathy Cowell OBE DL, Chairman of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted that our hospital has retained the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III.
“Manchester Royal Infirmary plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of people throughout Greater Manchester and leads the way in innovative healthcare. This patronage is a fantastic recognition of the importance of our hospital and recognition of the incredible work our teams do every day.”
Manchester Royal Infirmary was founded in 1752 and received patronage in 1830 – giving it ‘royal’ status. The hospital also welcomed His Majesty King Charles III as part of a visit in 1997. It is now the regional and national centre for services as diverse as kidney and pancreas transplants, sickle cell, haematology, vascular, major trauma, liver and pancreas surgery, rheumatology and HIV care.
Mark Cubbon, Group Chief Executive of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are honoured to continue to have the patronage of the Monarch, which we have enjoyed since 1830. We have ambitious plans for the future of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, including Project RED which will see an injection of £40 million of investment in the site. This brings a redevelopment of the Emergency Department and the addition of new theatres, helping to improve waiting times for patients.”
Antony Johnson, Deputy Director of Nursing at Manchester Royal Infirmary said: “Over the past few years, our hospital has been a pioneer in new ways to treat patients. From our same day emergency care services for frailty patients, to our ‘opt-out’ HIV testing scheme; we are always innovating. As one of the busiest hospitals in Greater Manchester, it is great to receive royal recognition”.