A HUGE operation to close Bury General and relocate services to Fairfield Hospital has reached a critical stage.

Visitors to the Rochdale Old Road complex are being asked to take heed of signs leading to various departments.

The centralisation of services should be complete by the end of September, but major changes coming up include the opening of the new maternity unit on July 23.

The building is at the far end of the site, opposite to Pennine House and patients are advised to check with relevant departments before leaving home.

Drivers to the unit should use car parks C or D, and buses stop right outside the maternity unit entrance.

The Ear Nose and Throat and Oral Surgery ward has just transferred from ward 24 to the brand new ward 2. This is on the first floor immediately above the main hospital entrance.

The gynaecology unit on ward 4 is transferring temporarily on July 7.

Leslie Cousins, who is overlooking the moves, said: "We are all working very hard to ensure that the move goes smoothly and safely for both staff and patients.

"It is all very exciting and ultimately will benefit the patients."

The Bury Times will update readers on changes as and when they happen.