Cambridge's Rosie maternity hospital plans extension

A maternity hospital in Cambridge is set to double in size as part of a £30m redevelopment.

The Rosie Hospital said it needed to meet the demands of the growing population which was putting "increasing demands" on its services.

The neonatal intensive care and special care baby units will expand from 33 to 58 cots under the plan.

A 10-bed accommodation area will allow parents to stay close to their baby during surgical procedures.

The proposals also include a birthing unit with 10 ensuite rooms which the hospital said would offer a relaxed environment for women.

There would be an expanded fetal medicine department for diagnostic tests and monitoring of high risk pregnancies.

Plans are in place to refurbish part of the existing hospital and build additional operating theatre for Caesarean section deliveries.

Building work is expected to begin in the next financial year with completion by the end of 2012.

The hospital was set up in 1983 with the help of a £3m donation by local benefactor David Robinson.