VIPs from Bolton’s twin towns tour University of Greater Manchester’s state-of-the-art Medical School

Civic dignitaries from Bolton’s twin towns in Germany and France were given a special tour of the home of the University of Greater Manchester’s new Medical School.

The VIP guests from Paderborn and Le Mans were greeted at the £40m Institute of Medical Sciences building by the University’s President and Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes DL.

Professor Holmes addressed the delegation, which included the Mayor of Paderborn Mr Michael Dreier, the Deputy Mayor of Le Mans Ms Sophie Moisy, as well as the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan and Mayoress Karen Holdsworth.

The University’s Pro Vice Chancellor (Medicine), Professor Iqbal Singh CBE, also welcomed guests who were then given a tour of the building, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital. The first cohort of students to study medicine in the facility will arrive in September.

The Mayor of Bolton also unveiled a commemorative plaque as he opened the Centre of Excellence in Safety for Older People (CESOP) room, which is the base of an important initiative focusing on improved patient outcomes alongside dignity and respect.

The Mayor of Bolton owns Bakewells, a local care home and has a particular interest in CESOP. He commented on the importance of compassion in the safety of older people and social care.

Professor Singh said: “The delegates were really impressed with the tour of the medical school and centres and the work of CESOP in improving care through training and education.

“There were discussions around linking up on undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes in compassion and students coming to Bolton to study here.”

Other delegates from Bolton’s twin towns included Paderborn councillors Susanne Meiche, Florian Ritter and Ulrich Koch, as well as members of the Anglo-German Club, including Elke Neumann and their new Chair, Ilka Mindt.