First images of our future maternity services

Whittington Health has today released the first images of its future maternity and neonatal unit, offering a clear look at a major redevelopment now moving towards construction.

 

Following the first phase of the project, every room on Labour Ward will have its own en-suite bathroom, improving privacy and comfort during labour and birth.

 

The images reveal calm, modern and light-filled spaces, designed to provide a relaxing environment with purpose-built facilities specific for labour and birth. Building work is expected to begin this year, following several years of detailed planning with staff and local people.

 

The redevelopment is underpinned by £60milion of capital investment in maternity and neonatal services at the Whittington - the most significant improvements to local birth facilities in a generation.

 

This phase also include a larger neonatal unit which will bring the currently separate neonatal intensive care unit and special care unit together in one modern environment. The new unit is designed to support the most vulnerable babies as work is being completed on a new purpose built neonatal intensive care unit.

 

Families will also benefit from a brighter maternity entrance and a redesigned triage area at the front of the hospital. These changes aim to create a smoother arrival and simpler access to care.

 

The maternity and neonatal redevelopment has been made possible by separate £80 million investment in the hospital’s power infrastructure. Once complete, the hospital’s power capacity will more than triple whilst simultaneously reduce carbon emissions by around 80%. The Trust secured planning permission for the next phase of this work on 13 January. You can read more about that by clicking here.

 

Despite the scale of the redevelopment, maternity and neonatal services will remain open throughout the works. Construction phases have been carefully planned to protect safety and a positive experience for those giving birth and using the Trust’s other maternity services. One of the first stages will be the new combined neonatal unit, built away from later construction activity. The hospital’s tiniest patients will only move once the new space is fully ready.

 

Pregnant women, people, and families are being reassured that they can continue to plan their birth with confidence. Care will remain personalised and centred on individual birth plans.

 

 

Selina Douglas, CEO of Whittington Health NHS Trust said: “These images show what the future will look like for people giving birth at the Whittington. More privacy, calmer spaces and facilities designed around care.

 

“This redevelopment is backed by major investment, including £60milion for maternity and neonatal care and £80 million for our power infrastructure. That investment in the Whittington’s future makes this transformation possible.

 

Isabelle Cornet, Director of Midwifery added: “We expect redevelopment works to start later in 2026. Until then, and throughout construction, our services remain open. Our top priority is that everyone who gives birth with us has a positive experience. That will remain our focus at every stage.”

 

Mayani Muthuveloe, Joint Lead of the independent Whittington Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership group said: “Seeing these images makes the future feel real for local families. The plans clearly focus on privacy, dignity and calmer spaces for birth and neonatal care, it is reassuring to see service user voices reflected so strongly in the design.

 

“Families want to feel safe, heard and supported, and these facilities move the Whittington much closer to that goal.”

 

The first stage of the works will see the hospital’s chapel move from its current location adjacent to the maternity unit into the historic Jenner Building on the hospital site.