Discover what awaits at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s new maternity ward from September

The new ward promises “Privacy, comfort, and joy” for new parents when the new Women and Children’s Building opens in September

Expectant mums and families in the local area will soon benefit from a brand-new maternity ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital, with the first details of the space being unveiled today.

Opening from September as part of the Women and Children’s Building, the new maternity ward has been thoughtfully designed to prioritise comfort, dignity, and choice, offering a family-centred environment in which parents can feel at ease during one of life’s most special moments.

The unit will feature 19 private en-suite rooms – one of the largest private room capacities for maternity services in the region – alongside a dedicated 4-bed space for those who prefer a more sociable setting. This diverse range of options is designed to ensure every family’s experience is tailored to their needs, while acknowledging the need for more privacy.

Claire Davies, Head of Midwifery at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – which runs the Countess of Chester Hospital – shared that the new facility is the result of years of listening to local families and staff to create a space that truly meets their needs.

She said:

“We’re incredibly proud that the design of our new maternity unit has been shaped by the voices of the people who will be using it – our service users, their families, and our dedicated team,” Claire said. “Every detail was chosen with one goal in mind: to make each family’s experience with us the best it could be.”

The new maternity ward will care for nearly 2,000 people each year, supporting antenatal, labour, and postnatal care.

One of the standout features of the new unit is a peaceful balcony overlooking the internal gardens of the new build, providing parents with a tranquil space to enjoy fresh air and natural light.

Claire added:

“The space itself is full of light and warmth. Natural light pours in through the expansive windows, and the balcony will give families a quiet moment to reflect and enjoy the view. We believe it will be a truly special place for new beginnings.”

In response to feedback from local families, the visiting policy for all services within the new building have also been expanded. Birth partners will now be able to visit at any time, with overnight stays to support bonding and rest during those crucial early hours and days.

The new maternity ward will provide the space for modern, high-quality care in a setting that feels more welcoming. The goal of the Trust which runs the hospital is to ease the pressures parents face during pregnancy and birth while providing them with a space that feels both supportive and special.

The new maternity ward will officially open in September, as part of the new Women and Children’s Building, where all Women and Children’s Services will be relocated. This launch coincides with NHS England’s announcement that expectant parents can now bypass the initial GP appointment and self-refer directly to their chosen hospital for maternity care.

The Countess of Chester Hospital is already among the 3 in 4 Trusts offering this service and families can refer directly using this form: 

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO4w3vZ2LLITpIkIoGOT3Lbk1UNUlPTzVLTzk1UzJOVTNQSVM5VlYyNExXWSQlQCN0PWcu