- £38m maternity unit redevelopment progressing, with a newly refurbished theatre opening this month.
- New reception, waiting areas and toilets due to open in September, with further upgrades underway.
- By 2028, the unit will feature a new birthing suite, triage area, specialist units and refurbished wards.
Major progress is being made by Robertson Construction North West on the redevelopment of the Princess Anne Maternity and Women’s Health Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital, with several key areas now approaching important milestones.
The £38 million redevelopment programme is transforming maternity facilities while removing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) identified within parts of the building in 2023. Once complete, the unit will deliver modern facilities designed to support women, babies and families in Bolton and beyond for many years to come.
One of the most significant developments is the redevelopment of one of the maternity theatres, due to be handed over this month and ready for use. Specialist construction teams continue to make progress removing RAAC and replacing affected parts of the roof to future proof the structure.
Elsewhere, work is progressing well on the new antenatal reception area, waiting facilities and public toilets, which will provide a more welcoming and comfortable experience for women and families attending appointments.
Over the coming months, visitors and staff will begin to see further transformation across the unit as the new ultrasound facilities, triage area and birthing suite developments take shape.
The redevelopment is being delivered in carefully planned phases to ensure maternity services remain operational throughout the programme. The project team continues to work closely together to minimise disruption and maintain safe, high-quality care for women and families.
Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer with responsibility for maternity services at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said:
“This redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation investment in maternity services at Bolton.
“It’s fantastic to see the progress being made and we are grateful to families, visitors and those who work in the unit for their continued patience and support as this complex programme continues.”
Paul Coyle, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North West, said:
“Strong progress continues across the hospital, with key milestones being reached that will help enhance facilities for people across Bolton while also providing an improved environment for staff.
“As we reach these important stages in the programme, our focus remains on working safely and closely with the Trust and iFM Bolton to ensure disruption to clinical services is minimised and consideration for the local community is upheld.”
Once work is complete in mid-2028, the unit will provide:
- A new birthing suite with four modern birthing rooms, each equipped with birthing pools.
- A new seven-bed triage area.
- A new gynaecology and early pregnancy unit, designed to meet modern standards and models of care.
- New transitional care bays for Neonatal services within the postnatal ward.
- Refurbished maternity wards offering spacious, modern environments for women during and after pregnancy.
- New entrance and frontage.
The project team is working closely to minimise disruption and maintain patient safety during the development.
The programme is being delivered by specialist construction partner, Robertson, and managed by the Trust and its estates partners, iFM Bolton.
