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Answering your questions

Why are changes being made?

Over the coming years, we will bring our maternity and neonatal spaces up to modern healthcare standards. This will transform the experience of those giving birth with us and the babies and families of those who need a specialist care in our Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care Baby units.
Because the estate is so tight, the programme involves a complex sequence of enabling works, temporary moves and a new “infill” building between two existing wings. All of this is designed to keep services running safely throughout. Construction begins next financial year, and the full programme is due to complete by March 2030.
 
Some of the biggest improvements in the first phase of the works include:
 
A Neonatal Unit upgrade
  • A larger, purpose-built NICU with safe spacing and a calmer environment
  • Co-locating NICU and SCBU away from construction noise
  • A better working environment for staff and an improved experience for families

Labour Ward refurbishment

  • All delivery rooms will become en-suite
  • A dedicated, fit-for-purpose bereavement suite offering privacy and dignity
  • Expanded and modernised clinical areas A brighter, more welcoming entrance
  • A new maternity main entrance with more space, more light and a much better first impression for families Improved triage 
  • A redesigned, more easily accessible triage area located at the front of the hospital
  • More Ensuite Postnatal Inpatient Bedrooms.

Will maternity and neonatal services stay open during the building work?

Yes. Services will continue throughout the construction programme. Some departments may temporarily move location within the hospital, but care will remain available and safe.
Our top priority at all times is to ensure that everyone who gives birth with us has a positive experience and that they can give birth in line with their birth plan.
 
During the necessary works to transform our estate we will be prioritising the experience of those giving birth with us and will do everything we can to ensure that they are not impacted. We want everyone to have the birth they planned. Here are some of the steps we will be taking to minimise the impact on the works on those giving birth with us during the construction period: 
  • Because of the very acute needs of our tiniest patients, one of the first phases of the work will be to construct the new, purpose built combined Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care Baby unit which will be located well away from other, later works. Only once the new unit is complete the two units will move into their new home.
  • Phasing the redevelopment to minimise the amount of disruption at any one time.
Your midwife will discuss with you any expected impact of the works with you during your pregnancy and we will work with you to minimise any impacts as best we can. If you have any questions or concerns you can speak to your midwife.
Your positive birth experience is our number one priority.

What new facilities are being created?

The first phase of the programme will provide: 
 
  • Neonatal Unit upgrade:
    • A larger, purpose-built NICU with safe spacing and a calmer environment 
    • Co-locating NICU and SCBU away from construction noise 
    • A better working environment for staff and an improved experience for families
  • Labour Ward refurbishment
    • All delivery rooms will become en-suite
    • A dedicated, fit-for-purpose bereavement suite offering privacy and dignity 
    • Expanded and modernised clinical areas
  • A brighter, more welcoming entrance 
    • A new maternity main entrance with more space, more light and a much better first impression for families Improved triage
    • A redesigned, more easily accessible triage area located at the front of the hospital
  • More Ensuite Postnatal Inpatient Bedrooms.

These changes are designed to improve privacy, dignity, comfort and safety.

How will these changes benefit patients and families?

The improvements will provide:
  • Better facilities for babies needing specialist care
  • More privacy during labour and after birth
  • Improved environments for families
  • Easier access to services
  • A dedicated and peaceful bereavement space for families who need it

The programme has been designed with input from maternity and neonatal staff and the Local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership to support high-quality care. You can find out more about the Maternity and Neonatal voices Partnership and how you can get involved in the group by clicking here or if you prefer, you can follow them on Instagram by clicking here.

Will construction affect my care?

Our top priority at all times is to ensure that everyone who gives birth with us has a positive experience and that they can give birth in line with their birth plan.
During the necessary works to transform our estate we will be prioritising the experience of those giving birth with us and will do everything we can to ensure that they are not impacted. We want everyone to have the birth they planned. Here are some of the steps we will be taking to minimise the impact on the works on those giving birth with us during the construction period: 
  • Because of the very acute needs of our tiniest patients, one of the first phases of the work will be to construct the new, purpose built combined Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care Baby unit which will be located well away from other, later works. Only once the new unit is complete the two units will move into their new home.
  • Phasing the redevelopment to minimise the amount of disruption at any one time. 
  • Ensuring all departments can continue to run throughout the works.
Your midwife will discuss with you any expected impact of the works with you during your pregnancy and we will work with you to minimise any impacts as best we can. If you have any questions or concerns you can speak to your midwife or click here to contact us.
Your positive birth experience is our number one priority.

Will babies still receive specialist neonatal care?

Yes. Neonatal services will continue throughout the project. Temporary arrangements have been carefully planned to ensure babies continue to receive safe, specialist care. The new NICU will provide significant long-term improvements once completed.

Will I know where to go for appointments and care?

Yes. If any service location changes, information will be provided in advance through appointment letters, staff guidance, hospital communications and signage around the site.

Will the labour ward still be available?

Yes. Labour ward services will remain fully operational during construction. Temporary arrangements may be required at certain times, but women will continue to have access to safe care throughout labour and birth.

What is happening with the bereavement suite?

A new dedicated bereavement suite is being created for families experiencing pregnancy or baby loss. The suite will provide a separate, quieter environment and a more private space to support families during an extremely difficult time.

Will there be more improvements in future?

Yes. Phase 1 is the first stage of a wider vision for maternity and neonatal services. Additional improvements are planned in the future, subject to funding becoming available.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions or concerns about the building work or your care, please speak to your midwife, consultant, neonatal team member, or contact the maternity service directly. We will continue to provide updates throughout the project.
 
Last updated26 Oct 2026