New Unit New Baby

A Memory of Corby.

I remember the Maternity Unit being built. My father was on the committee that planned it and it was paid for by the Nuffield Trust, as was the Diagnostic Centre. I remember dad telling me that 'it cost £1,000 a bed' and there were 40 beds, so cheap at the price I suppose to be built for £40,000. My first child was born there in 1971 and I remember the building so well. There were crickets chirruping in the roof at night. No-one bothered to exterminate them as they did no harm and weren't a health hazard. They wouldn't have a chance now with all the 'Elf & Safety rules. When it closed as a maternity unit in the late 1970s it became a respite centre and convalescent home. My mother was in there for two weeks respite care to give us time off from caring for her in her last year. So I have no idea where Corby's expectant mothers go to give birth now, probably Kettering. Pat Aldaya.

---

---