Construction workers have made a stunning discovery during renovation work at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich (VIN).

Work is currently being undertaken at the VIN to create the new Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre. As part of this development, the historic Verdin Ward is being refurbished to bring the building up to current standards while preserving its historic importance.  

During work in the Verdin Ward, a number of coins were found, which are all dated 1902. Another 1904 florin coin, which is a two-shilling coin issued during the reign of King Edward VII, was also found, along with two newspapers, the Northwich Guardian from Saturday 20 August 1904, and the Northwich Chronicle, also from Saturday 20 August 1904.

Paul Taylor, project manager for Kier Construction North & Scotland, which is building the surgical centre and renovating the Verdin Ward, said: "It's an amazing find. The artefacts were found buried in a hollow in an engraved foundation stone, similar to a time capsule.

Newspaper found during the work. (Photo: Mid Cheshire Hospitals)

"To preserve the stone, it was carefully removed so it could be relocated to a more prominent position and it was then that the newspaper and coins were discovered.

"Finding and holding these pieces of history was a very surreal moment, it felt like stepping back in time and connecting with the people and events from that era. It's incredible that they have lasted so long hidden from everyone, but we're really pleased to have been able to uncover them and provide this snapshot of life from over 100 years ago."

Karen Simpson, Service Manager for the Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre, said: "This incredible discovery has real historic importance when you consider the Verdin Ward has been such a recognisable part of the Northwich community ever since local businessman and philanthropist, Robert Verdin, donated the house to the town for use as a hospital in 1886.

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"Preserving and commemorating the history of this facility is something we value and celebrate. We are passionate about providing our communities with high quality care in a state-of-the-art facility, while also curating the history of the Verdin Ward.

"We plan to now work with partners to determine the best way to display these items for current and future generations."

The Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre at Victoria Infirmary is due to open in the spring. It will provide a range of state-of-the-art clinical areas to support patient care. These include two advanced operating theatres, one dedicated to cataract surgery and the other functioning as a multi-specialty theatre accommodating orthopaedics, ENT, dermatology, general surgery, and pain management. There will also be an ophthalmic treatment room, recovery area and consulting rooms.

The surgical centre will become a cataract centre of excellence, and a regional hub for outstanding cataract care. This will mean fewer people waiting for eye surgery, as well as improved patient care.

Patients will be treated by surgeons from both the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Patients will appear on a joint regional waiting list, which will be the first of its kind in Cheshire and Merseyside. This unique approach means equity of access for patients, alongside a high-quality and efficient experience. It also means a fast-track service with referral to treatment in less than three weeks.