Aphra Brandreth, member of parliament for Chester South and Eddisbury visited the Countess of Chester Hospital for a tour of the hospital's new £110 million women and children's building.

The facility will offer increased capacity, modern amenities and carefully designed spaces for patients, families and staff.

Once complete, the new development will replace the current women and children's building, which has been in use since 1971.

The building's main construction has almost been completed, with plans for the external groundworks starting to take shape.

During her visit, Ms Brandreth discussed the vital role the hospital plays in serving the community, with the hospital's Chief Executive, Jane Tomkinson OBE, and Chair, Ian Haythornthwaite.

The new women and children's building aims to offer improved facilities and services for maternity, neonatal care, paediatrics and gynaecology services.

Speaking after the visit, Aphra Brandreth MP said: "It was an absolute privilege to tour the new Women and Children's Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital and see firsthand the incredible work being done to enhance healthcare services for our community.

"I know how vital this hospital is to many of my constituents and I am committed to ensuring that access to high-quality local healthcare remains one of my top priorities."

Ms. Brandreth praised the dedicated staff at the hospital during increased demand in the winter months (Image via: Aphra Brandreth)

Ms. Brandreth also praised the leadership of Jane Tomkinson OBE and Ian Haythornthwaite, as well as the dedicated staff at the hospital during increased demand in the winter months, for their tireless efforts in delivering exceptional care and spearheading this transformative project.

The ambitious project is being clinically led with support from Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between building companies VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, reflecting the trust's ambition to provide the highest quality care for patients and their families.

Internally there are a few rooms already completed and the staircase in the main atrium is currently being installed.

CEO, Jane Tomkinson OBE, added after the visit: "The start of 2025 marks the final countdown to moving into the new building this coming summer, making this recent visit from Aphra Brandreth a good time to show how far construction has already come and to set out our ideas for how care will look once we are in this modern building.

"We are really keen for the community to be involved in every step of the build because this is for them, it's their future.

"We want to be a leading provider of outstanding maternity care and deliver high standards of quality and excellence as we journey towards transforming care for the local community, and this new building is a huge part of that vision."