A heritage Blue Plaque recognised by Wigan Council has been unveiled at the Centre for Hip Surgery at Wrightington Hospital in recognition for the pioneering work of orthopaedic surgeon Professor Sir John Charnley.
Council members, family, friends and colleagues of the hip surgery pioneer gathered at Wrightington Hospital on Friday 22 November 2024, 62 years to the day since his first total hip replacement operation was performed.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Our Blue Plaques recognise remarkable contributions and this honour for the work of Professor Sir John Charnley embodies what the scheme is all about. His record and influence here in Wigan Borough and across the world are phenomenal and alongside our colleagues in the health service, we’re proud to see the plaque in place at Wrightington Hospital, where he did so much of his amazing work.”
Tabitha Gardner, chief finance officer at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that Wigan Council have awarded this Blue Plaque to Professor Sir John Charnley. It recognises the historical significance of his pioneering work in Orthopaedics, Wrightington Hospital remains a fully operational orthopaedic surgical hub that continues to perform more joint replacements than any other hospital, nationally.
Professor Sir John Charnley’s development of his successful hip replacement and his dedication to improve the lives of patients is well documented and we continue to improve our knowledge and understanding of joint replacement through research and training at Wrightington Hospital.”
