Investment in maternity services at hospital to be discussed at meeting this evening (From Haringey Independent)

Investment in maternity services The Whittington Hospital to be discussed at meeting this evening

4:57pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Health executives will give details of an investment pledge of more than £10million to help secure the future of a hospital at a meeting tonight.

The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust has announced it will invest the money into maternity services at the site in Magdala Avenue.

The details of the new investment will be announced at a public meeting to be held this evening at 7.30pm at the Archway Methodist Hall in Archway Road.

The money will go towards the upgrading of maternity wards at the hospital and improve facilities for dealing with premature or very ill new babies.

It has also been announced there will be a further £ 2.9 million will be spent on a new same day treatment centre to be opened in October this year.

Chief executive Dr Yi Mien Koh said: “Our plan for Whittington Health is a positive one with this much-loved NHS organisation firmly at the heart of the community and receiving significant investment in services.

“It will enable the Whittington Hospital to thrive as we continue to provide high-quality patient services safely, efficiently and effectively as close to people’s homes as possible.”

Joe Liddane, chairman of Whittington Health’s board said: “Mothers tell us they like having babies here but most wards are in poor condition and not fit for the 21st century.

“Our investment will allow wards to be substantially upgraded.”

Last month the Whittington Health Trust Board announced as part of its new estates strategy that NHS staff accommodation, including flats for nurses and social workers, will be closed as six NHS-owned blocks in the site are sold off.