A heritage blue plaque for inspirational orthopaedic surgeon Professor Sir John Charnley has been unveiled at Wrightington Hospital's Hip Centre.
Family, friends and colleagues past and present of the hip surgery pioneer gathered on Friday, 22nd November, 62 years to the day Professor Charnley's first total hip replacement operation was performed.
Led by Wigan Council, the borough’s blue plaque scheme sees permanent memorials installed in public places, highlighting the impact recipients have made on local heritage and culture. Professor Charnley was a consultant hip surgeon at Wrightington Hospital between 1948 until his death in 1982. His contribution to orthopaedic surgery received widespread recognition both nationally and internationally, including a knighthood in 1977.
Tabitha Gardner, our Chief Finance Officer said: “We are delighted that Wigan Council have awarded this Blue Plaque to Professor Sir John Charnley. Though this marker 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."