Update on future maternity, neonatal and gynaecology facilities at Kettering General Hospital
We are committed to improving our maternity, neonatal and gynaecology facilities at Kettering General Hospital.
The previously planned Rockingham Wing extension was the first phase of a wider redevelopment. We have paused this work after updated projected costs presented significant affordability challenges and delivery timescales extended beyond those originally anticipated, while we consider the best way to deliver the overall redevelopment for the future.
We are currently considering two options: a purpose-designed new-build facility, or the Rockingham Wing extension followed by the phased demolition and rebuilding of the existing Rockingham Wing. No preferred option has yet been agreed.
The new-build option has become possible as a result of wider redevelopment at KGH. Completion of our energy centre programme, expected towards the end of next year, will make land in the Car Park D area available for potential future development. The area is currently being used for contractor compounds and temporary facilities supporting the energy centre works and is not currently used for public parking.
We will continue to develop and assess both options through the NHS business case process over the coming months.
Subject to the outcome of this work and the necessary approvals, our current planning assumption is that construction of a new-build facility could begin in 2029 and be completed in 2032. These timescales are indicative and will be refined as our plans develop.
In the meantime, our maternity, neonatal and gynaecology services continue to operate safely and as normal. Monitoring and mitigation measures remain in place in areas of the Rockingham Wing affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), and there has been no interruption to patient services as a result.
We will continue to involve colleagues, patients, families and other stakeholders as our plans develop, while investing in and improving our existing facilities wherever possible. Find out more about our plans Future maternity, neonatal and gynaecology facilities at Kettering General Hospital.