A new £24.3 million outpatient unit is officially open for business after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Stepping Hill Hospital today (Friday, August 29).
The state-of-the-art facility will replace the crumbling Outpatients B building, which closed as an emergency measure in November 2023 after a ‘significant deterioration’ in its structural integrity.
This was caused by a worsening of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight construction material that proved to be susceptible to severe water damage and potential collapse.
A statement from the hospital said: “Contractors MTX have done a fantastic job together with our capital projects, estates, clinical, charity and other colleagues who helped made it happen.
“Other guests at the opening included Tom Morrison MP, Lisa Smart MP, and Stockport Council leader Mark Roberts.
“Pride of place at the opening was a fantastic cake in the shape of the new building!”
Although not at the grand opening, Stockport MP Navendu Mishra sent his congratulations to those at the new unit.
“The new department brings together outpatient services that were previously spread across the site following the closure of the original Outpatient B building in 2023.
“These new, modern facilities are designed to improve the patient experience and support the delivery of high-quality care for many years to come.”
“This is a meaningful step forward for healthcare provision in our area.
“Thank you to all staff and volunteers at Stepping Hill Hospital for your continued dedication and hard work- I look forward to visiting the new facility soon.”
The new Outpatients B building is made of 86 structural steel units, which were craned into place at the start of 2025 by hospital construction specialists, MTX, who had to deal with asbestos removal and an abandoned underground plant room during demolition.
The building’s ground floor has numerous consulting rooms and dental facilities, while its first floor houses hospital equipment and plant machinery.
