Kettering General Hospital has secured NHS approval for a £33 million expansion of its maternity unit after structural issues forced a partial closure in 2023. The project, expected to be completed within two years, will include a new 32-bed facility and additional upgrades to improve maternity care.
The decision follows the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the roof of the hospital’s Rockingham Wing, a material commonly used in the 1970s that has since been found to deteriorate over time. The structural concerns led to significant disruption in maternity services, prompting urgent action to address the issue.
This investment is part of a broader government commitment of up to £1.5 billion for the hospital’s redevelopment. The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) has worked closely with NHS England to determine the best approach to restoring and improving maternity services.
Construction in the broader hospital rebuild is scheduled between 2032 and 2034.
