Crisis Averted? £38M Rescue Plan for Maternity Unit Grappling with Dangerous RAAC Concrete
A significant £38m refurbishment project is underway at Bolton hospital's Princess Anne Maternity and Women’s Health Unit, prompted by the discovery of dangerous RAAC concrete. The comprehensive plan includes replacing all RAAC components, extensive remodelling, and creating state-of-the-art birthing and gynaecology facilities. Expected to be completed by mid-2028, this "once-in-a-generation investment" aims to modernize care while maintaining operational services.
Bolton hospital’s Princess Anne Maternity and Women’s Health Unit, one of Greater Manchester's busiest maternity suites, is undergoing a substantial £38 million refurbishment. This extensive project was initiated after the discovery of dangerous Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the roof almost three years ago, specifically in December 2023. The presence of RAAC necessitated the temporary relocation of services and the propping up of affected sections to ensure patient safety.
A planning application for the refurbishment and extensions to the existing building at Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth has recently been submitted, formalizing the scheme. The unit, situated on the north-west side of the hospital complex, has served families in the Bolton area for 50 years. Work on some aspects of the project has already commenced, with the trust anticipating completion by mid-2028.
The funding for this critical redevelopment was secured from NHS England following the identification of RAAC. Since then, maternity services have been moved away from the compromised areas, with women’s services now operating from new locations within the hospital and at Lever Chambers Centre for Health. The proposed works aim to not only address the structural issues but also to improve the building's appearance and provide a modern, fit-for-purpose health space.
Key aspects of the refurbishment include the comprehensive replacement of RAAC components across all roofs, along with additional RAAC removal from the floor of the courtyard bridge and other isolated areas. The project also involves ground floor demolition and remodelling of existing administration space, as well as infilling the ground floor south courtyard to establish an improved and expanded triage and delivery suite department. Furthermore, the north-east and south-west staircases will be demolished and replaced, and windows on the first and ground floor areas will be updated.
Upon completion, the unit is set to feature a new birthing suite comprising four modern birthing rooms, each equipped with birthing pools. It will also include a new gynaecology and early pregnancy unit, designed to meet contemporary standards and models of care. New transitional care bays for neonatal services will be integrated within the postnatal ward, and maternity wards for mothers during and after pregnancy will be refurbished. Modernized theatre facilities and enhanced life safety measures, including wider escape stairs, are also part of the plan.
The redevelopment is being delivered in carefully planned phases to ensure that maternity services remain operational throughout the entire programme. The project team is committed to minimizing disruption and maintaining safe, high-quality care for women and families. Tyrone Roberts, chief nursing officer with responsibility for maternity services at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, hailed the redevelopment as a