The University of Greater Manchester has officially opened of a state-of the-art medical training building on the Royal Bolton Hospital site.

University Chancellor, Earl of St Andrews, welcomed VIP guests to the £40m Institute of Medical Sciences (ISM) for the special ceremony.

He told the audience:

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.

“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 200^th anniversary.

A plaque was unveiled by the Chancellor, and afterwards, Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Greg Walker; Pro Vice Chancellor (Medicine) Professor Iqbal Singh; Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Fiona Noden; Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi, and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick cut a ribbon to declare the building open.

Dr 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.

“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.”

Professor Noden 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 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.

Professor Noden 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 entitled ‘Time’, to the University which will be displayed in the Institute of Medical Sciences.

Before it was unveiled by Cllr Peel, Victoria said: “The Medical School gives hope to everybody no matter what adversity we suffer and what kind of medical situations we are in.”

Cllr 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.

Professor Singh highlighted the significant potential of the Institute of Medicine to address the region’s health inequalities, particularly in an area which experiences high levels of deprivation and poor health.

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

He thanked all medical stakeholders and NHS organisations for their support and expressed gratitude to the team at the Institute of Medicine for their dedication and commitment, which has helped make the vision a reality.

Addressing the students, he said:

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.