The long-trailed Institute Medical Sciences, built on the grounds of Royal Bolton Hospital on Minerva Road in Farnworth, held its grand opening this week.

University Chancellor, the Earl of St Andrews George Windsor, welcomed guests to the opening ceremony.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome you to this special celebration marking two landmark milestones in the history of our University.

“Today we officially open the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences building, which is home to our Medical School, which welcomed its first cohort in September, and the Institute of Medicine.

The Chancellor and VIP guests cut the ribbon to officially open the Institute of Medical Sciences building (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

“As you can see, this building has been designed to provide the very best facilities in which healthcare professionals can study and develop their skills.

“It is fitting that the opening of the building coincides with the celebration of the University’s 200th anniversary.”

The Chancellor with the plaque at the Institute of Medical Sciences (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

The 200th anniversary marks the milestone since the university’s predecessor institution, the Bolton Mechanics Institute, first opened in the town.

The opening ceremony included a plaque being unveiled by the chancellor and then a ribbon cutting by Mayor of Bolton Cllr David Chadwick.

Some of the first cohort of University of Greater Manchester medical students who started their studies in September (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

University acting vice chancellor Dr Greg Walker said: : “It is humbling to think that we are part of an institution that over the course of 200 years has remained true our mission to provide excellent education and training for the people of Bolton and beyond.

“The University of Greater Manchester is a local institution with international reach.

Dr Greg Walker, acting vice chancellor (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

“When we opened our doors as a mechanics’ institute in 1825, it would have been impossible to envisage the global role we now have.

“It is only by working with our partners in Bolton that we have been able this remarkable feat of opening a full Medical School.

“It would have been impossible to achieve this without the support of the NHS Trust, the Council and our MPs, especially Yasmin Qureshi.”

He added: “It is truly apt today that we mark 200 years of history by heralding and inaugurating something that doesn’t mark the past, but with something that is built for the future, this superb new Medical School built in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital.”

Also attending the ceremony was Bolton NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Professor Fiona Noden.

Professor Fiona Noden, chief executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

She said: “Being here, sharing in this moment, fills me with immense pride, not just as chief executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, but as someone who has called Bolton home.

“From my very first days in healthcare, one lesson has stood out above all, the importance of compassion, not just for our colleagues, but above all, for our patients.

“Compassionate leadership, for me, is about setting the tone from the top — making sure that every decision, every innovation, and every policy is rooted in what’s best for our patients.

The grand opening coincided with the university’s 200th anniversary (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

“The year 2025 marks a pivotal chapter in Bolton’s healthcare journey, as the University of Greater Manchester welcomes its first cohort of medical students to the Institute of Medical Sciences, right here in the grounds of our Royal Bolton Hospital.

“I can’t help but feel a sense of awe as I look around at this state-of-the-art facility, knowing the opportunities it will create for so many.

“This building is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a symbol of hope, ambition and our shared commitment to the future.”

She added: “Across the NHS, we are facing significant challenges: shortages in key specialties, ever-increasing demand for our services, and the ongoing need to support the wellbeing and development of our medical workforce at every stage of their careers.

“By working together in these world-class facilities, we are not just responding to challenges — we are shaping the future.”

Visually impaired artist and UGM PhD student Dr Victoria Claire donated a piece of her art, a sculpture called ‘Time’, to the university to be displayed in the Institute of Medical Sciences.

She said: “The Medical School gives hope to everybody no matter what adversity we suffer and what kind of medical situations we are in.”

The institute has been one of the most anticipated developments the borough has seen in recent years and is expected to train around 3,000 medical professionals annually.

Dr Victoria Claire with Cllr Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “I think we can all agree what a fabulous facility this is, it is an absolutely amazing transformation we have seen.

“This is something we should all be proud of. It will inspire generations of Bolton residents to become doctors and medical professionals that are the backbone of our NHS.”

University pro vice chancellor of medicine Professor Iqbal Singh said the institute could help address the region’s health inequalities.

University pro vice chancellor of medicine Professor Iqbal Singh (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh)

He said: “We have state-of-the-art technology and exceptional training and learning facilities for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.

ALSO READ: New £40M Bolton med school ‘comes to life’ as building work finished

ALSO READ: Bolton’s £40M new medical school an example of ‘turning aspiration into action’

ALSO READ: Look inside new £40M medical institute as public asked for ‘health heroes’

“Our Centres of Excellence and remediation programmes lead with compassionate values in leadership and medical education.

“We are committed to equity, inclusion, widening participation and fostering potential.”

Addressing the students, he added: “You are the pioneers, the first alumni and you will always be part of history for that reason.

“We will build resilience and a strong sense of responsibility to match the privilege that doctors enjoy.

“We are committed to producing 21st-century doctors who are scholars, scientists, innovators and researchers, but above all, compassionate professionals.”