Trafford General Hospital is known as the birthplace of the NHS, after it was officially opened by Aneurin Bevan as the first NHS hospital in 1948. Today, Trafford General Hospital provides a range of health services, including an urgent care centre, acute medical unit, surgical care, stroke and rehabilitation services, and the Manchester Orthopaedic Centre.
Our History
In 1926, building work began on what is now known as Trafford General Hospital. It was initiated by the Barton-upon-Irwell Union, a body created in 1849 to provide for the area’s poor.
First opening to patients on 17 December 1928 as Park Hospital, it was later officially opened by the first Princess Royal (HRH Princess Mary, Viscountess Lascelles) on 1 June 1929.
The hospital was used by the armed forces from September 1939, during World War II, initially as a British military hospital. In November 1943, the hospital was transferred to the US Army, becoming the tenth US Station Hospital and treating service personnel from across the world. The hospital was de-requisitioned in September 1945.
On 5 July 1948, the hospital was officially opened by Aneurin Bevan as the first NHS hospital. During his momentous visit, Bevan symbolically received the keys from Lancashire County Council to mark the creation of the NHS.
Sylvia Diggory became the very first NHS patient to be treated at the hospital, aged 13. The hospital also witnessed the first baby born under the NHS, Sandra Pook, who weighed 6lb 11oz. She now lives in nearby Eccles and shares her birthday with the NHS.
In 1988, Park Hospital was renamed Trafford General Hospital in celebration of the 40th anniversary of its opening. The first NHS patient, Sylvia Diggory, unveiled a plaque in commemoration.
In 2008 the Trafford Diabetes Centre was opened after local people successfully fundraised £250,000.
On 5 July 2018, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, recreated Aneurin Bevan’s historic visit to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS. A blue plaque was unveiled to commemorate Trafford General Hospital’s role as the birthplace of the NHS.
Our Services
Trafford General Hospital’s key services include Manchester Orthopaedic Centre, where all planned hip replacements, shoulder, knee, wrist and ankle surgery takes place for patients from Trafford, Manchester, and Salford; a frailty and rehabilitation service for older patients and those with dementia or recovering from a stroke; a neuro-rehabilitation unit for patients recovering from brain injuries, and a nurse-led urgent care centre. It also provides a wide range of day surgery, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic services such as X-ray and MRI scanning.
Location
Trafford General Hospital is located in Davyhulme, near Urmston. For more details about how to get here, visit our Getting Here page.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
Trafford General Hospital is part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 October 2017 and is responsible for running a family of ten hospitals across seven separate sites. It provides a wide range of services from comprehensive local general hospital care through to highly specialised regional and national services.
Our Values
Trafford General Hospital is proud to align itself with the shared values of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
We are compassionate
- Care about people, focusing on the needs of all our patients and staff
- Reduce our impact on the environment.
- Support local people and the local economy in our role as a large local employer and consumer.
We are curious
- Use digital technology and other innovations to improve the way we work for patients and our colleagues.
- Use data, insight and evidence to inform the way we deliver services and make decisions.
We are collaborative
- Involve patients and our communities in the planning and delivery our services.
- Work together as one team across MFT.
- Work together with partners across Greater Manchester.
- Use our influence locally and nationally to the benefit of our patients, our communities and our partners.
We are open and honest
- Listen and respond to feedback from staff, patients, communities and partners.
- Celebrate our successes.
- Be honest about where things can be better and share learning to make improvements.
We are inclusive
- Address health inequalities, ensuring everyone can get the care they need and the best possible outcomes whatever their identity or background.
- Build a diverse workforce at all levels in which everyone can belong, and which reflects the people who use our services, helping us to deliver better care and build trust with our communities.