Maternity Unit

The new Maternity Unit opened its doors to patients in August 2007. The state of the art facility provides purpose built accommodation for mothers and newborn children. The new unit replaces the old maternity unit to the west of the site.

Ground Floor accommodation compromises - Outpatients, Day obstetric unit & Refreshments area

1^st Floor accommodation comprises – Ward (32 beds) - four 4-bed bays and 16 single en-suite rooms, as well as 7 ‘Home from Home’ birthing suites within a Midwifery-led unit

2^nd Floor accommodation comprises – Labour ward with 5 birthing rooms, 2 Obstetric theatres and a 16-bed Neonatal unit

Each floor also comprises much needed office space for administration staff and a play area has been created in the courtyard area of the building.

Staff and patient representatives were all involved in developing the interior finishes such as the colour scheme and wood finishes. When asked to consider the theme for enhancing their new environment, staff and patients were clear in their choice of Life and Movement.

An open day was held on 19^th July 2007 for staff, patients, local community groups and staff from other hospitals and healthcare organisations. Those who attended had the opportunity to see the unit first hand and to view all the facilities throughout the building.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, officially opened the new Maternity Unit on 24^th October 2007. The Minister said “Real choice is about providing services that work for patients which can only be achieved by taking their experiences and views on board. By listening to mothers and involving them in the design of this maternity unit they have created a facility which will meet the needs of mothers and babies for many years to come.”