Whipps Cross University Hospital

21st May 2009

The Maternity Unit at Whipps Cross University Hospital is about to begin a major upgrade to create a new, modern development that will enhance the services offered to local mums and their families.

The present Maternity Unit was built in the 1970’s to manage 2,500 deliveries but in 2008 Whipps Cross midwives delivered over 5,000 babies – that’s 100 per week.  With an ageing estate and demand heavily increasing, plans for a new state of the art facility have now been given the green light.

Douglas Ward, Director of Estates & Facilities/New Hospital Programme Director, said:  “This major development is excellent news for the hospital and local families who will benefit from the improvements. 

“The proposal is for a development of a new maternity dual theatre complex in order to meet the short – medium term demand which will enable one to one maternity care.  These will compliment and help improve the fabric of the estate not only for women during every stage of their pregnancy but also for our staff.”

The project is to be carried out in two specific phases to help minimise disruption to patients and the current service. 

The building work for Phase A starts in May 2009 and is due to finish in December 2009.  Phase B will begin from November 2009 with the whole project due to be completed by March 2010.

Phase A will include the following improvements:

• New four bed modular unit with en-suites
• Reuse modular buildings to create displaced office spaces, classroom and staff rooms
• New extension to rear access to create new ward reception with security staff
• Creation of Triage area and staff changing rooms
• Creation of Bereavement Suite and Fathers room
• Associated external works

Douglas added: “While we know that some disruption will be caused during the building works, we can only apologise for this inconvenience and ask anyone affected during this time for their cooperation and patience.”

As a result of the works, entry to the Maternity Unit by the rear doors will no longer be possible so access will be through the main front door only.

Parking spaces adjacent to the rear entry doors will not be available as this area will be closed.

For more information, please contact Andy Roberts, Capital & Projects Manager via email at info@whippsx.nhs.uk

Ends

Notes to Editor

• Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust is an acute Trust providing care to the local population of Waltham Forest, west Redbridge, Essex and east London.
• We provide a comprehensive range of acute healthcare services, responding to both emergencies and planned operations.
• The Trust has education, training and research roles as well as providing a number of 'shared services' to other NHS Trusts.
• The Trust is also working together with other NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts in outer North East London on an affordable programme of reconfiguration of health services and facilities, known as Fit for the Future.