Chester MP takes tour of Countess of Chester Hospital's new Women and Children’s Building

Chester MP Samantha Dixon paid a visit to the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's new Women and Children's Building this week, ahead of its expected completion next summer.

The MP for Chester North and Neston took a detailed tour of the construction site to learn more about the brand-new facility that will bring several benefits to the local community.  

Construction of the three-storey building began in June last year and has continued at pace since then, with the skeleton of the inside now shaping up and the building becoming watertight. 

Lights have also been ‘switched on’ to enable builders to make progress during the winter months, and plans are in place for the eventual transfer into the building, to ensure maximum safety for patients.  

Once complete, the new development will replace the current Women and Children's Building, which has been in use since 1971, and will accommodate maternity, neonatal, paediatrics and gynaecology wards and services. 

The facility, which is aiming to be officially open by summer 2025, will offer increased capacity, modern amenities and carefully designed spaces for patients, families and staff. 

Speaking after her tour of the new building, Samantha Dixon MP, said:  

"It is fantastic to see the progress being made on this transformational project.  

“The new Women and Children's Building will bring vital improvements for women, children and families across Chester, and provide a modern and welcoming environment for both patients and staff.  

“It's a huge step forward for our community.”  

Joan Carter, Project Lead for the new Women and Children’s Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added:

“It was great to welcome Samantha Dixon to see how much progress has been made on this project.  

“We are really keen for the community to be involved in every step of the build because this is for them, it’s their future. 

“We want to be a leading provider of outstanding maternity care and deliver high standards of quality and excellence as we journey towards transforming care for the local community, and this new building is a huge part of that vision.” 

The ambitious project is being clinically led with support from Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between building companies VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, reflecting the Trust’s ambition to provide the highest quality care for patients and their families.  

Meanwhile, a group of teachers from Mill View School in Upton, also enjoyed a recent tour of the building’s progress recently, as our ambitions to strengthen partnerships with local schools and inspire children on the future of their local hospital.