Patient input helps deliver new look ward for new mums
A post-natal ward at Basildon Hospital has reopened after having a complete makeover.
The changes to Cedar Ward - which have made it a more welcoming space for families - were carried out after speaking with women, members of Maternity Voices Partnership and maternity staff.
New improvements to the ward include moving the midwives’ work station to the centre of the room for greater peace of mind for mums and easier monitoring of women for staff. Shower rooms also have the small but important added feature of a shelf for toiletries, which means mums who have had a c-section have better access.
Lesley Overy, head of people’s experience and engagement, maternity and neonatal services, said: “We’ve really listened to the women who use our service, so we know that even small things like the newly fitted shelves in showers will make a huge positive difference to their experience on the ward after they have had their baby. Women have also helped choose the brighter and lighter colour scheme, which help make it a much nicer area to spend this important time in.”
Updates also include new windows, which have filters on them to help reduce heat loss in the winter, and patients can also enjoy the calming effect of newly-installed mood lighting.
And it isn’t just patients who are benefitting as staff also have an improved working environment, including an extra office and also an area where they can get a drink and relax.
This is the first step in the refurbishment of three maternity wards, which is due to be completed this summer.