A planning application has been submitted to deconstruct the Countess of Chester's former Women and Children's Building.

Marking the next step in a 'major transformation' of the site, the application also includes removing the elevated blue link bridge – a familiar architectural feature for many in Chester.

Built in the 1970s, the Women and Children's Building is situated opposite the main entrance of the hospital.

This latest development follows the opening of the new Women and Children's Building in September, which is one-third larger than the now-vacant facility.

"This signals the beginning of a new era in healthcare," said Karen Edge, chief finance officer at the Trust.

"We are proud to be investing in the future of Chester. This transformation reflects our commitment to delivering safe, modern care in facilities designed with and for our community."

Offering bright, modern and spacious environments designed to support the best possible care, the new building also represents a key part of the Trust's Five Year Strategy to deliver services that meet the future needs of the community.

Deconstruction were necessary due to the building's existing building materials, which contained reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a material now recognised as unsafe. In line with national NHS guidance, all RAAC must be removed from hospital buildings by 2030 due to its limited lifespan and associated risks.

In 2023, the Trust installed temporary structural supports to ensure safety while construction of the new building progressed.

The new Women and Children's Building and the deconstruction of the current facility have been funded through a £110 million grant from the National RAAC Programme.

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that the site of the now-former Women and Children's Building will not be used for additional car parking.

Acknowledging parking as a concern, Karen Edge explained how the trust was working to improve it across the site.

She added: "The Trust is committed to supporting more sustainable travel options, in line with national NHS goals.

"The focus remains on better use of existing space and promoting alternative travel options such as use of the park and ride.

"With financial pressures across the NHS, future developments must be carefully prioritised."

The Neonatal Unit built in 2021 from charitable funds will remain standing.

As a newer building it is unaffected by the RAAC issue. The neonatal team relocated to the new Women and Children's Building in September of this year, where a new unit opened.

As part of the Trust's broader effort to future-proof the hospital, the 2021 unit will be repurposed to provide valuable clinical services. More details on these plans will be shared soon.