Press release – 26 January 2024
2024/004

Mums-to-be to benefit from maternity triage unit makeover at Hereford County Hospital 

Mums-to-be are to benefit from an expansion and refurbishment of the maternity triage unit at Hereford County Hospital, which opened this week. 

During the last month, building work has been underway in the old maternity triage unit knocking down walls and creating a much larger new maternity triage area.  

The unit features a new entrance area, waiting area, reception, modern adjustable lighting, additional assessment beds, and new equipment.  The unit also benefits from a separate entrance on the second floor, which means that women no longer need to enter the maternity ward to access the triage service. 

The maternity triage unit provides assessment and care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for women who have concerns regarding their pregnancy (from 18 weeks onwards) or their baby (up until they are 28 days old).  

Amie Symes, Associate Director of Midwifery at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to open our new expanded maternity triage unit, which provides additional space with modern facilities enabling our midwifery team to assess more women during their pregnancy.  As a team, we are focused on continuing to improve our maternity services in Herefordshire and the new unit will help to enhance the experience of the women using this service.  

“Our specialist team of midwives are on hand to provide expert care and offer advice both at the maternity triage unit and via the telephone helpline. It’s so important that women with pregnancy related concerns such as abdominal pain, leaking of fluid, or changes in their baby’s movements, seek the appropriate advice and follow up care as soon as possible.  We recommend that women contact the maternity triage helpline on 07990 986517, available 24/7, before attending the hospital, so that our team can advise accordingly.” 

To access information on the maternity triage unit visit www.wyevalley.nhs.uk and search maternity triage.  

Photo

Left to right:  Anna Nash - midwife, Amie Symes - Associate Director of Midwifery
and Annette Arnold - maternity inpatient matron at Wye Valley NHS Trust.

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £295 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community. 

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928