A new maternity triage area and assessment unit at the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) has welcomed its first patients.
The new unit offers purpose-built accommodation immediately next to the hospital’s maternity ward to allow for improved care and faster assessment of those who are pregnant, or have recently given birth.
The facilities allow staff to prioritise urgent or complex cases, as well as offering dedicated monitoring spaces for observations and fetal surveillance, improved infection prevention and an environment designed to support mobility needs, neurodiversity and cultural requirements.
‘A better experience for patients’
The new unit officially opened on Tuesday 6 January, with staff from the hospital’s Division of Surgery and Women’s and Children’s Services in attendance. The opening of the unit marks the final phase of a full refurbishment of the maternity ward area at the hospital.
Cat Shepherd, Triage Midwife at the JPUH, said: “It’s a big upgrade from what we had before and will provide a better experience for our patients.
“It’s more modern and spacious, has a waiting area which offers greater privacy for patients, and an office where staff can speak confidentially with patients over the phone.”
One of the first patients to receive care at the unit following its opening was Courtney, who said: “It all looks so welcoming and professional. I was greeted and seen immediately, and the space is lovely.”
The triage area will be open 24/7 and is located next to Ward 11, on the first floor of the hospital. The Maternity Assessment Unit will be open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm and can be contacted on 01493 452480.