An almost half-century-old maternity unit is set to undergo a multimillion-pound refurbishment project, which families across Bolton can help shape. 

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has been granted £38M from NHS England to redevelop the Princess Anne Maternity Unit, one of the busiest in the region.

Work is set to begin in December and, amongst other upgrades, is set to create four new modern birthing rooms with pools, while a series of events will get families views on what they need.

Chief nursing officer Tyrone Roberts said: “For nearly fifty years the Princess Anne Maternity Unit has played a significant part in the lives of families. 

“However, a lot has changed in that time and we want to make sure our services reflect the modern standards people expect, and to be even better for families in the future.

The unit is at Royal Bolton Hospital The unit is at Royal Bolton Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

“We have one of the busiest maternity units in the region, and this multimillion pound investment will allow us to completely transform the space we currently have, creating an environment that is better suited to those who use it and features the latest advancements in healthcare to enhance safety and experience.

“We know a lot of families will have made very precious memories here and we’ll be sharing details soon about how you can be a part of capturing that history, as well as joining us to celebrate the start of an exciting next chapter.”

The trust first bid for the NHS England funding after RAAC concrete was found in the maternity unit in December last year.

Since then, maternity services have operated at new locations in the Minerva Road hospital and at Lever Chambers Centre for Health in the town centre.

As well as the new birthing pools, the refurbishment is expected to create what the trust say will be new, modern and spacious environments.

The first floor of the unit will be removed with a new seven-bed triage area put in alongside the maternity unit.

The funding will also be used to make the spaces between antenatal and postnatal ward areas adaptable to manage demand.

Both the gynaecology and early pregnancy assessment areas will also be refurbished as part of the development. 

Trust chief finance officer Annette Walker said: “We’re really pleased to have been awarded £38M funding from NHS England which will allow us to significantly redevelop our maternity unit.

“Ahead of work starting, we’ll be speaking to both staff and service users to understand what they need from the unit so that we can deliver high quality care in a modern space for years to come.

“There will be a series of engagement events over the next few weeks and I would encourage people to come along and be a part of creating something really exciting. 

“Our staff are our biggest asset and we’ll be drawing upon their wealth of experience to understand what changes will make the most difference.”

Families from across the borough have been invited to help shape the plans for the redeveloped unit at engagement events hosted by Bolton Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership.

These will include sessions on “15 steps” activity at Royal Bolton Hospital on Wednesday, November 27 between 10.30am and 3pm.

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There will also be a listening and planning event on Thursday, November 28, with the location and exact time to be confirmed.

Bolton maternity and neonatal voices partnership lead Amy Rothwell said: “This isn’t just about picking paint colours, we want to know what works best for the families using these facilities.

“Do we want to be in single rooms, or do we like being in a bay with other people? What kind of shower set up is best for those who have had a C-section? 

Do we need more birthing pools? Should triage be bigger?
“I’m keen for local families to share their thoughts every step of the way.”

Places are limited and anyone wishing to attend can email amy@voicesforchoices.org.uk.