Update on the refurbishment (April 7th 2015)
The maternity department at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust were successful in gaining monies from the Department of Health to improve the environment within maternity with a focus on improving privacy and dignity.
Work started on the 9th March and is expected to last approximately 14 weeks in total. We have deliberately not provided exact dates and times as the work is being completed in phases and has been planned carefully with very close communication between the planning department, the workmen and the maternity staff in an effort to reduce the potential disruption to a minimum. There are regular meetings (fortnightly) to discuss progress.
Triage Room Artists Impression
Work has started on the creation of a Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) and we are in week 4 of this. Once open this will combine with the Antenatal Day Assessment Unit, it will be open initially Mon-Fri and will be midwife led.
Work started on the birthing pool room and we are in week 3 of this. The birthing pool is unavailable until mid to end of May.
The removal of the carpets throughout the maternity unit and replacement with wood effect vinyl starts tonight on Pannal ward. This work is being completed during the night again in an effort to reduce the potential for disruption to a minimum. The replacement of the remaining carpets will be phased and managed carefully.
• So far there has been little change to our day to day working, there has been some increase in noise levels but only minimal
• There are some workmen visual in the corridors but both the maternity staff and the workmen are working closely together to reduce the potential for disruption to a minimum. The workmen work between 08.00-16.00 (Mon-Fri).
• Access to Pannal ward is via Delivery Suite until MAC is open, all visitors for Pannal ward will need to walk through Delivery Suite.
• All work is currently on schedule.
Birthing Room Artists Impression
Please be reassured that we have the safety of all women, their partners, their babies and families at the centre of all decisions that are made. If you have any worries please do not hesitate to contact either: Sara Keogh, Head of Midwifery, Alison Pedlingham, Matron or Jan Carrington, ANC and Community Midwifery Manager.
sara.keogh@hdft.nhs.uk
alison.pedlingham@hdft.nhs.uk
janice.carrington@hdft.nhs.uk
Below is an extract from the letter sent out to all expectant mothers in the district.
“The Maternity Unit at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has successfully bid for funding from the Department of Health to be used to improve privacy and dignity within the Delivery Suite.
This is a really exciting project which will enhance the Delivery Suite environment and expand the services we already provide including:
• Creation of a Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) enabling the assessment of women in a calm, peaceful environment away from Delivery Suite (Phase 1)
• The installation of a bigger, more accessible birthing pool and total redecoration of the pool room (Phase 1)
• Removal of the existing shared bathrooms and toilets to create en suite facilities and wet rooms in all delivery rooms (Phase 2)
• Replacement of the carpeted areas with wood effect vinyl flooring on Delivery suite and Pannal ward (Phase 3).
The refurbishment is due to commence on the week commencing 9th March, and is anticipated to be completed by the summer.
The work has been planned in 3 phases in order to minimise disruption for women giving birth during this time. We would like to reassure you that we will do our best to ensure that there are no changes in the quality and standard of care given to you by the midwives and medical staff looking after you and your baby.
There are however, some things we would like to make you aware of due to the potential impact on the environment during the refurbishment:
• There will be an increase in noise levels during the day for phases 1 and 2 due to building work.
• There may be dust in access areas and corridors but please be assured this will not in the clinical areas
• You may see workmen in the corridor areas during the day as they will need to gain access to the areas being refurbished. They will all be wearing a badge to identify themselves
• The birthing pool will be out of use for up to 8 weeks during phase 1(commencing 23rd March) – we have looked at the option of a temporary pool during this phase but unfortunately this was not possible due to safety and infection control issues with drainage
• There will be a reduction in the number of delivery rooms available during phases 1 and 2.
• Temporary delivery rooms will be made in other areas of the maternity unit, which will contain all of the equipment necessary and not compromise the safety of you or your baby
• We plan to provide regular updates and progress reports for women and their partners on the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation website, maternity section during the refurbishment.
Questions you may want to ask:
Q. What can I do if I planned to use the birthing pool and it is not available?
A. There are a number of options: Have you considered having a water birth at home? Talk to your Named Community Midwife about this and she will be able to advise and support you in making the right decision for you.
We can support and assist you in transferring your care to a neighbouring Maternity Unit; however there are no absolute guarantees that a birthing pool will always be available even in a unit not undergoing a refurbishment. Speak to your Community or Clinic Midwife about this option.
Q. What if there isn’t a delivery room available when I need one in labour?
A. We plan to make some temporary delivery rooms available while a number of our usual rooms are out of use. In the very rare circumstance that there are more women in labour than rooms available, we will contact our neighbouring maternity units and arrange your admission to the nearest available Maternity Unit. You will not need to do anything; our staff will make all of the arrangements in full consultation with you at the time. The safety of you and your baby is our absolute priority.
Q. What should I do if I don’t want to have my baby at Harrogate now?
A. We aim to provide a safe service and help you to have a positive birth experience at Harrogate during the refurbishment; however we understand that some women may choose to transfer their care to a unit that is not undergoing transformation. Talk to your Community or Clinic Midwife about your options. Low risk women can be supported to have a homebirth with the Harrogate Community team if they wish. We will make all the necessary arrangements to transfer your care to a unit of your choice if you prefer.
Q. I am due to have my baby by elective caesarean section. Will the refurbishment affect me?
A. We anticipate that planned caesarean sections will go ahead as normal. There may however, still be an increase in noise levels when you are on Pannal Ward.
Q. What if I need an emergency caesarean when I am in labour?
A. The operating theatre on Delivery Suite will be available for emergency procedures as normal during the refurbishment.
We apologise in advance for any disruption caused during the refurbishment. If you wish to discuss any issues further, please contact your named Community Midwife or:
Alison Pedlingham, Matron for Maternity Services, telephone number 01423 555637 or e mail alison.pedlingham@hdft.nhs.uk :
Or
Jan Carrington Community and Antenatal Clinic Manager, telephone number 01423 553009 or e mail on janice.carrington@hdft.nhs.uk :
Or
Lorraine Ellis, Delivery Suite Manager, telephone number 01423 553190 or e mail lorraine.ellis@hdft.nhs.uk”
