Bradford's historic maternity unit undergoes £1.8m modernisation without closing

A £1.8 million refurbishment of the Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary is now in progress. The upgrade aims to improve patient comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall appearance of the decades-old facility. Work began in January and is set to continue for 40 weeks without causing major disruptions to daily operations. The unit, originally built in the 1960s, has witnessed the birth of over 200,000 babies. Over time, issues such as heat loss, draughts, noise, and leaks have become more pronounced. The refurbishment will tackle these problems by installing better insulated windows, refurbishing the roof, and adding fireproof cladding that meets British and European safety standards.

Janet Wright, Clinical Director for Women’s and Children at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the improvements as particularly beneficial during winter. The project forms part of the Trust’s wider £75 million capital build programme, which also includes a new £28 million wing at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The work is expected to enhance conditions for both patients and staff while ensuring the unit remains fully operational throughout the upgrade period.

The refurbishment will bring modern standards to a long-standing healthcare facility. Once completed, the unit will offer better insulation, reduced noise, and improved safety features. The investment reflects the Trust’s commitment to maintaining high-quality care for mothers and newborns in Bradford.