The redevelopment work, which was carried out in two phases, gives women who choose to have their babies at Liverpool Women's facilities that match any in the UK and set new standards for the North West.
Kathy Thomson, CEO of Liverpool Women's, said:
"This development means the Trust is leading the way in the quality of maternity care it provides. Liverpool Women's has carefully planned this major investment over several years. The refurbishment has been funded by capital monies generated by the Trust delivering a surplus in recent years. We can think of nothing better to spend that money on than the women and babies of Liverpool and beyond. We see this as investing in our future, enabling us to continue to be at the forefront of women’s healthcare.
"Phase One, our brand new, beautifully designed Maternity Base, is already in operation with 55 beds spread over more spacious bays, including ten side rooms. Each bed has computer access to patient records meaning midwives can spend more time with patients rather than on the staff base computers. There are also small counselling rooms."
"Phase Two is equally aimed at giving patients the best possible experience in comfortable and calming surroundings. It has been designed to provide the smoothest possible journey through triage and assessment to delivery. Staff and patients were closely consulted about the design of the "Big Push" facilities and their views incorporated. In all areas, patients’ needs are at the centre of care."
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A new Triage and Assessment unit with five individual consulting rooms for privacy and a telephone triage room. This leads into an obstetrics day ward, previously located on the ground floor. Previously patients were assessed on the busy Delivery Suite with staff working between two areas.
An Induction Suite with five beds, a large and relaxing induction lounge with TV, tea and coffee facilities, for use by women and their birthing partners. This is designed to help women move around more and be relaxed, with wireless monitors being used so patients can be monitored at all times.
Eight new delivery rooms, including a pool room with a large birthing pool for pain relief
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"The unit offers higher risk women the option of the same experience of our Midwifery Led Unit (MLU) whilst having more high tech support at close hand if required. The new facilities have the relaxing environment of the MLU, which many surveys have shown are better for women, including birthing pool and other aids. But should circumstances change and extra help be needed, more high tech aids are close at hand. Also, women needing an epidural can have it in the new unit rather than having to be transferred to the Delivery Suite."
The redevelopment also enables transitional care to be provided by a neonatal nurse for babies who may not require complete Neonatal Care but need extra attention. Two new bereavement rooms have been provided for those needing special privacy.
Consultant Obstetrician Joanne Topping believes the "Big Push" facilities match any in the UK. "We should be very proud of our new facilities. No-one signs up for mediocrity when they come to Liverpool Women's!"
"We are one of only two specialist women’s hospitals in the country and a university teaching hospital so it is up to us to be a leader in maternity care. These new facilities demonstrate that commitment. We canvassed staff about what would make the most difference to our patient journey through triage to delivery and this is what they came up with. The facilities will also provide a better working environment in which our dedicated staff can do their work."
'The increase in rooms on our delivery suite has reduced the need for patients to be transferred to a different ward after delivery. All single rooms and multi-bed wards now include en-suite facilities and a nurses’ station – meaning nurses can be more readily available.'
The Liverpool Women's Hospital will be holding a special birthday party to celebrate its 18th Anniversary of being open on the afternoon of Saturday 7th September. Anyone wishing to take a tour of the new facilities is being invited to go along on the day between 11am and 3pm. Children are also welcome and will receive a free party bag, there will also be free face painting and children’s entertainment. All are welcome to attend the free event.