Countess of Chester Hospital

Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust

Sutcliffe was appointed to provide Civil & Structural Engineering services on the new Women and Children’s Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The new building houses the new purposefully designed Mother and Baby unit.

Countess of Chester Hospital
At a glance

What we delivered

  • Substructure and superstructure design
  • Traditional & strip foundations
  • Civil and structural engineering including calculations to satisfy building regulations
  • Below-ground drainage design for foul and surface water and external sub-base
  • Indicative precast ground floor layouts
  • Hot rolled primary steel frame and masonry, movement joints and lintels

Find out more about what we do

The mother and baby unit would support new and expectant mothers in a therapeutic environment which has been purposefully designed for people experiencing maternal mental health difficulties, such as post-natal depression, psychosis or a relapse of an existing mental health condition.

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From the ground up, we provided engineering calculations to meet building regulations, making sure the structure was compliant and built to last. Our team designed both the substructure and superstructure, using traditional pad and strip foundations alongside precast ground floor layouts to create a strong and stable base. For the main structure, we developed a hot-rolled primary steel frame, supported by masonry construction, movement joints, and lintels, ensuring the building could withstand everyday demands while allowing for natural movement.

Beyond the structure itself, our work extended underground, where we designed efficient drainage systems for foul and surface water, helping to manage water flow and prevent issues down the line. We also took care of the external works sub-base, making sure the surrounding infrastructure was just as solid and reliable as the building itself. Sutcliffe has helped create a safe, functional, and future-proofed facility for the hospital, creating jobs and supporting healthcare professionals, mothers and babies for years to come.

Architect: Gilling Dod

Completion Date: January 2025

“I’m still trying to find the words to express how thankful we are to have been a beneficiary at this year's Sutcliffe Charity Ball.”

We’re looking forward to receiving a new incubator to help our poorly babies grow big and strong. Events like this don’t happen overnight, they take months of planning and years of building relationships with people who want to support good people – it was truly exceptional.

Loren Slade

Loren Slade, Fundraising Manager, Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity