Plans have been approved for a major refurbishment of Whittington Hospital's maternity and neonatal facilities. 

More than £100 million will be spent on improvements to the Kenwood Wing, in Magdala Avenue, after Islington Council gave the go ahead on Tuesday (November 8).

The Kenwood wing houses the maternity and neonatal facilities, which require a significant refurbishment to match the standard of service that Whittington Health staff provide.

This makeover will ensure the NHS trust has state-of-the-art facilities for families, new staff areas, and an improved spiritual care centre.

Plans have been designed in keeping with the Victorian architecture of the original building, while ensuring the inside space is updated. 

More than 3,600 Whittington babies are born each year and the investment will result in modern and welcoming facilities for families, patients, and staff. 

Families will have access to ensuite rooms for their comfort and privacy. 

Two bereavement spaces will also be created, which will support the care given to families dealing with a sad loss.

The initial designs have been created with input from midwives, nurses, doctors, as well as representatives from Maternity Voices Partnership, which includes patients. 

Works are set to begin on the site next year. During the project, some areas may move location within the hospital, but all services will continue to be provided throughout.

The first phase of the project will see ensuite labour rooms and one of the bereavement suites delivered.

Whittington Health Charity is supporting the project with a major fundraising appeal and will be seeking support from the public, local organisations, and supporters.

Whittington Health’s chief executive officer Helen Brown said: “Gaining approval of our plans is the first step on our exciting journey to improve our maternity and neonatal facilities.

"These improvements will bring our buildings up to a standard that matches the excellent care that our staff already provide.

"By developing these plans with our patients and their families, as well as our clinical teams, we will ensure that the new facilities meet the needs of everyone using them.

"This significant project will be undertaken in phases over the coming years. 

"Funding has already been identified for the first part of the work and we will be working with local partners and national organisations on approval for funding later stages of the project.