Maternity Assessment Unit, University Hospital of North Tees
Maternity assessment unit
There are two assessment units one at North Tees and one at Hartlepool. The units provide a service to antenatal women from 14 weeks pregnant onwards and into the postnatal period. You can self-refer into either of the units however, it is always advised that you contact them by telephone before you attend to enable one of their midwives to assess both you and your baby’s needs.
The maternity assessment unit at North Tees is on the ground floor and situated in the women’s outpatients. The waiting area is spacious has a water machine for patient use and a children’s play area. The assessment unit is located past the waiting area on the right hand side and has a reception area where you can hand your file in to let staff know that you have arrived.
The maternity assessment at Hartlepool is also on the ground floor of the hospital. Tt is situated next door to the birthing center. Tt also has a large spacious waiting area and a reception area where you can clark in.
Both assessment units have curtain bays with an examination couch and an armchair. The units also have access to private clinical rooms if one is required.
Both units display a range of topical information that may be of interest to women, partners and their families during their time within the units.
Your community midwife may advise you to attend one of the units if, during the routine visit a problem is found. This could include a change in your baby’s pattern of movements, finding that your blood pressure is higher than normal, or if she is concerned about your baby’s growth.
If you are required to be seen by your doctor you may be asked to attend North Tees even if you live closer to the Hartlepool hospital. Both assessment units use a triage system, which means that all patient care is prioritized based on the patient’s condition and how urgently they need to be seen. The length of time you may wait can vary, and the units are often busy. Unfortunately this cannot be avoided but a member of staff will inform you of any waiting times if there is any.
If you have been referred for consultant-led care you may be asked to attend a clinic appointment where you may be seen by a specialist midwife, a consultant or one of the medical team. If you are attending the assessment unit you will initially be seen by your midwife. Depending on this assessment you may also be required to be seen by your doctor. In most cases following appropriate investigation, treatment if required and advice, you will be able to go home. If you have tests during your time on the unit which require treatment and you have been discharged, a midwife will contact you directly. Occasionally some women may be advised to stay in hospital to be closely monitored, or for further treatment. The team will make further arrangements for your admission on the antenatal ward or delivery suite.
If your community midwife is concerned about your baby’s growth you will need to attend the women’s ultrasound department on the ground floor. Our aim is that one of the midwives will scan you in the midwife led ultrasound clinic. They will review your baby’s growth and ensure a plan is in place for your next appointment.
However, you may also be required to have routine growth scans during your pregnancy for a variety of reasons. The sonographers will check the health and growth of your baby, then you’ll be asked to attend either your clinic appointment or the assessment unit. You must always be reviewed following a growth scan. Even if you have been reassured by the sonographer that everything is okay.
North Tees and Hartlepool was recently acknowledged as one of the top 10 trusts in the united kingdom for the detection of babies that are not growing as well as expected. Thank you for taking time to watch this video on behalf of North Tees and Hartlepool maternity assessment units
We have two maternity assessment units at both our Stockton and Hartlepool hospitals. The departments provide care to antenatal women from 14 weeks onwards and into the postnatal period.
The Delivery Suite, North Tees Hospital
Getting ready to birth your baby with us
You have chosen to birth your baby at Torth Tees and Harlepool NHS Foundation trust.
This video aims to familiarise you with your surroundings and help to put you at ease before you attend.
We are situated on the first floor of the main tower block, within North Tees hospital.
Wherever possible, it is advised to come to the hospital in your own transport as ambulances are only required should an emergency arise.
Welcome to ward 18/19. The delivery suite incorporates the low risk midwifery-led unit called the oak suite and the consultant-led obstetric unit where you will be advised to birth your baby ,should you have risk factors identified throughout your pregnancy.
We have a secure entry system and the identity of all people who wish to enter is checked. Each person will need to ring the buzzer in order to leave, please ensure that you do not let anyone in or out of the unit without authorisation.
On arrival, we ask that you approach the reception desk where you will be greeted by your allocated midwife and shown to your room. There are 14 rooms within the delivery suite. Five of these are allocated to the oak suite for the care of women who are deemed low-risk and suitable for midwifery-led care throughout their labour. We have rooms designated for consultant-led care and for women who need a higher level of dependency.
We have a birthing pool available for use, however there are restrictions in place at present. All of our rooms are spacious and private with ensuite facilities for you and your birth partner to use.
We advise that you bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up during your labour, but meals and drinks will be provided for you. We politely ask that your birth partner does not leave the delivery suite during this time, to reduce coming and going from the unit. We have birthing equipment that can be moved from room to room should you wish. We have an active birth room with mats, bean bags and birthing stools, that you can use. We actively encourage you to be as upright and mobile as you are able to be throughout your labour.
The bed can be adjusted to support you in a variety of positions, to help your labor progress. Perhaps a little quicker than it would if you remain lying down please. Just ask if there is anything you need.
Our midwives and all of the support team are friendly and approachable. We aim to support you in achieving the birth you want. We will help you achieve your birth plan wherever possible and provide a variety of options for pain relief if required.
Internox equipment or gasoline is available for use. Your midwife will advise you on how to use it. We can offer an injection of diamorphine should it be required and we also offer a 24-hour epidural service within the unit. Remember not all women need to have pain relief in labour, each woman is different and you will be assisted to make these decisions with clear advice so you can make informed choice.
Please bring your pregnancy notes, your red book if it has been provided and your bag with you when you arrive. We have a separate video explaining what you will need in your bag for your stay.
Throughout this time, midwives will be wearing protective equipment when performing any care. Please report any symptoms of cough or temperature to the midwife caring for you.
All women are often offered testing for coronavirus on admission to the unit. When in labor for induction of labour offer a planned caesarean section this will be discussed and explained to you on arrival.
Should your labour progress beyond 41-weeks, you will be offered induction of labour. This will take place on the second floor of the main tower block, directly above the delivery suites on ward 22.
Ward 22 offers both antenatal and postnatal care, so there will be mothers and babies already on the ward. We are spacing beds out as far as as reasonably possible to adhere to social distancing, but there may be occasions where you are in a room with another woman. Please respect their social distance and wash your hands frequently, but remember all women are being offered testing and results are acted upon.
You will be given a date and time of arrival for your induction. We will telephone you if there are any unexpected delays. We ask that you come alone for this appointment and your partner will be called when your labour is established to accompany you.
We hope this short video has helped delay any anxieties that you may have about coming into hospital to have your baby. Our staff will support you throughout your stay and help you achieve a positive birth experience.
Welcome to the delivery suite
Video showcases our birthing pool and facilities on site.
Our delivery suite on ward 18 and 19 includes the low risk midwifery-led ‘Oak Suite’ and our consultant-led obstetric unit if you have risk factors identified throughout your pregnancy.
The Rowan Suite, University Hospital of Hartlepool
The Rowan Suite
The Rowan Suite, at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, is now open.
Featuring private, en suite, birthing rooms. A birthing pool and an active birthing suite.
There’s even a dedicated kitchenette just for mum!
Our skilled team of midwives are with you every step of the way.
The Rowan Suite is here for you.
Continuity of Carer ensures the same midwife will be assigned to care for the woman throughout the whole of her pregnancy journey, including her birth, leading to many benefits to the woman and her family such as a reduced need for pain relief and greater satisfaction.
The Rowan Suite features specially designed rooms with a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere to assist women to stay upright and active during their birth, as well as a birth pool suite.
The Rowan team will provide ante- and post-natal care, co-ordinate births and care for women who are deemed low risk throughout their pregnancy.
Low risk includes:
- Being of a healthy weight
- Not having medical conditions such as diabetes
- Be pregnant with one single baby
- Being a non smoker
- Having had no complications during previous pregnancies or births
Mothers-to-be who do not meet the low-risk criteria will continue to receive a high standard of community care and support planning for their birth within the obstetric unit at the University of North Tees.
The name ‘Rowan Suite’ is inspired by the rowan tree. Known as the tree-of-life and the protector, the rowan tree is renowned for its strength and resilience. A symbol of courage, wisdom and growth, it is perfect to represent the hub and the team’s aspirations.
Home Birth
If you have been deemed low-risk and have a straightforward pregnancy, you may be considering a home birth. You can find out more information on our home birth page.
