Maternity Services

We offer a range of services for women and their families before, during and after birth. We aim to work with you to ensure that the care you receive is tailored to your unique situation.

We recognise that you may have concerns during your pregnancy and we would encourage you to speak to your midwife if there is anything you would like to talk about. We are aware that women from ethnic minority communities or from vulnerable backgrounds may need support to access our services and we are here to help. Our midwives are happy to talk through any concerns you may have and will do everything they can to support you through your pregnancy.

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Maternity Update – Coronavirus/ COVID-19

Update 26 November 2020

The maternity department at the James Paget University Hospital are now allowing partners to attend all scans and Antenatal Clinic appointments. Partners can also attend triage on the delivery suite and their partner in labour. Visiting on Ward 11 will remain as booked two hour time slots.

Please can no children be brought to scan or Antenatal Clinic appointments. Women and birthing partners will be risk assessed for Covid-19 on arrival. Please wear a surgical mask. These will be supplied on arrival if you do not have one. If a partner refuses to wear a mask at all times while in the hospital, unless this is clinically indicated, they will not be permitted to attend. Partners attending antenatal clinics and ultrasound appointments will be required to wait outside until called.

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"Generally, pregnant women do not appear more likely to be seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop the new coronavirus. It is expected that the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms. Cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and loss of sense of smell are other relevant symptoms.

"However, if you are worried and think you have symptoms of coronavirus, please contact NHS 111 or your GP and inform your maternity care team." - Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

As you may already be aware, we have had to make some changes to our antenatal care schedule in view of the current pandemic. We are working really hard to keep you and your families’ safe, as well as our staff. We know that some of the adjustments made are not ideal, however, we hope we have your support and understanding at this time. If you are unsure about anything, please speak to your midwife.

Here is revised antenatal schedule, please note that this may change due to the continuing updates:

Your booking appointment - Bookings are in person where safe to do so. Your blood pressure, booking blood test, urinalysis and BMI (weight and height) will be taken at this appointment. 

Midwives will see you in person throughout your care where this is possible. Consultant appointments are in person.

12 week dating scan - This is dating scan only.

16 week routine appointment - in person where possible, but this may be a telephone conversation with your midwife.

20 week anomaly scan - At this appointment your blood pressure and urinalysis will be taken, as the 16 week appointment may be a phone consultation. 

25 week routine appointment - This is being re-introduced and this will be a face to face for everyone, where possible.

28, 32, 36, 38, 40 and 41 week routine appointment - will all remain face to face appointments for everyone at present.

Antenatal appointments - Please see above for more information - a partner may accompany you subject to the above.

Postnatal visits - During these visits please can we ask that the midwife can assess you and your baby in a room alone, away from other family members.

ULTRASOUND DEPARTMENT NOTICE

Attending ultrasound scans; A birthing partner may attend with someone who is pregnant, please see above for more details.

For everyone’s safety and to reduce the overall number of people in our hospital, we must ask that the person brought to the appointment is the same person every time.

Pictures

If your partner is unable to attend we will offer you one free image of your babies face, providing we are able to obtain one. In later gestations this is often not possible to the low position of baby in your pelvis.

We will ask you to pay for any further scan pictures to share with extended family as normal.

Please understand that your maternity care is essential, and has been developed over many years to reduce complications in mothers and babies. It is important that you continue to attend your scheduled routine care when you are well. However, if you are self-isolating or have possible symptoms of coronavirus, please inform your midwife or the Antenatal Clinic and we will make other arrangements and reschedule your appointment where necessary. Please do not attend your appointment in this case without first speaking to your community midwife or Antenatal Clinic. 

If you have any concerns or queries, please speak to your community midwife or visit our Bumps and Babies Facebook page for non-urgent, frequently asked questions. If you have any urgent concerns, please contact delivery suite.

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Early in pregnancy you will meet a Community Midwife who will ‘book’ you. Together you will decide who is the most appropriate professional to co-ordinate your care; this may be a Midwife or a Consultant Obstetrician. At this time you will receive information about the screening tests, scans and appointments that are available to each woman. You will also be provided with telephone numbers for accessing 24 hour support.

We will help you to plan for your birth, aiming to provide the latest up to date evidence to support you in your decision making about this important experience. Depending on your individual situation you may be offered Home, Delivery Suite or the midwife led Dolphin Suite: we will ensure you have all the information to enable you to choose the best place for YOU! A preparation for birth workshop is available in the later part of pregnancy.

We will help you to prepare for life as a parent.

Our Antenatal and Postnatal ward provides for women who need to stay in hospital either before or after birth. Community midwives continue your care at home after discharge from hospital.

What services are provided?

• Antenatal clinic
• Ultrasound
• Community midwifery
• Antenatal/Postnatal wards
• Maternity Assessment unit
• Delivery Suite
• Dolphin Suite Midwife led unit
• Specialist Midwives: mental health, diabetes, infant feeding

How can I get a referral?

Your GP surgery will refer you to the Antenatal clinic or the Community Midwife to begin your care with us.

Where is the department located?

The antenatal clinic, delivery suite and Dolphin Suite are located upstairs at the James Paget Hospital: follow the signs.

Community midwives clinics are held in GP surgeries and Children’s Centres: your Community Midwife will tell you where you should attend.

What are the opening times?

Antenatal clinic: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00.

Delivery Suite: 24 hours                

Dolphin Suite: 24 hours

Ward 11: 24 hours                     

How can I contact the department?

Antenatal Clinic 01493 452266

Delivery Suite 01493 452480

Dolphin Suite 01493 453640

Ward 11: 01493 452011

Community midwives carry mobile phones, but may be unable to answer immediately due to clinical activity or being off duty. The voicemail message on her phone will give you further instructions.

If you require urgent help call Delivery Suite 01493 452480.