Our maternity unit is being expanded to care for more women from Bolton, Salford, Bury and the surrounding areas. We expect to deliver more than 6,000 babies every year once all improvements are complete and more doctors and midwives have joined the team.
The maternity unit provides a midwife led birth suite for women with low risk pregnancies, where babies can be born in a more relaxed, home-from-home environment. We also offer the option of a home birth for women experiencing a low risk pregnancy.
We will also be expanding our specialist obstetric services and consultants and midwives experienced in the most complicated of pregnancies will provide specialist expertise to women who are in need of higher levels of care.
Central Delivery Suite
It is on the Delivery Suite that women who do not fulfil the criteria for a midwife led birth, and may require the specialist support of doctors and anaesthetists, are cared for.
Central Delivery Suite is undergoing extension work until late 2011 whilst operating a normal service. Features of the new unit, on completion, will include:
- Fifteen delivery rooms – all with en suite facilities, seven of which will have a bath
- One room with a birthing pool
- More space and comfort for mothers to move around
- High tech, individual lighting and temperature controls
- Neutral decor to help mum relax
- Large baths in the delivery area to help mums labour more easy
- Medical equipment for babies in every room
- Air conditioning for comfort
- State of the art nurse call systems
- Three obstetric theatres
The unit also provides a specialist area to higher dependency care to more women should they require it.
Antenatal Care
Doctors and midwives from the Royal Bolton Hospital provide care in the local community, as well as at homes and clinics.
A brand new Antenatal Day Unit (ANDU) opened in October 2010 and provides a modern, purpose built facility for the care of women who require extra monitoring during pregnancy. The ANDU includes: A new high-tech scanning area
- A new lounge where mums can relax with their families
- A new reception and waiting area
- A five bed area for mums who may need observation
- Two single rooms
For pregnant women who require overnight care before the birth of their baby, the antenatal ward has twenty two beds, with two single rooms affording extra privacy.
Postnatal Care
Many women who experience a routine labour and delivery will be able to leave the hospital soon after giving birth.
For women who need to be monitored more closely after giving birth, the postnatal ward is available. This area is also undergoing a programme of refurbishment whilst leaving the standards of care unaffected. On completion the ward will provide forty eight beds, some in single rooms with en suite facilities.
How will the building work affect me and my baby?
Women who give birth at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit before the end of 2011 may find there is building work taking place on the wards, around the antenatal unit, or on the central delivery suite.
This will not affect the standard of care you receive. All building work will be sealed off and your privacy and dignity will be protected at all times.
The building work may mean the wards are a little noisier than usual, but this will only be during the day and we will always try and keep it to a minimum.
You may also find that the entrances and corridors you normally use are closed temporarily. When you arrive there will be signage about temporary access routes. Any member of staff will be happy to help.
How can I find out more?
This website will be kept up to date with information about the progress of the building work.
You can also discuss any concerns you have with your community midwife at your regular appointments at any point during your pregnancy.
We also have a dedicated email where you contact us with your queries: makingitbetter@rbh.nhs.uk