Whittington Health's postnatal ward re-opens after a refurbishment project

Following a significant investment project Whittington Health NHS Trust have opened their refurbished postnatal ward for maternity users. The look and feel of the ward was designed using direct feedback from mums, families and maternity staff at the hospital to create a modern and welcoming environment. The hospital’s charity, Whittington Hospital Charitable Funds, contributed £1m towards the refurbishment works on Cellier Ward and other updates to the maternity unit last year.

The newly designed postnatal experience starts when mum and baby enter the ward, where they will be greeted in person by a member of the team in a new Reception area. This individual welcome was important for the team to include as part of the better birth experience.

 

The overall design of the ward including the colour scheme, wall murals and dimmable lighting was chosen carefully from the feedback received and has transformed the space into a calm and peaceful environment. Each bay is bigger and there are brand new bathrooms, including a fully accessible bathroom. The insight showed that dads or partners wanted reclining chairs so that they could stay overnight and so these are available, as is a new infant feeding chair.

 

 “I am so proud that our new postnatal ward is now open. All of the hard work has been worth it when you stand in the space and take in how it fantastic it looks and how well it functions.

 

 “We want our maternity users to feel a sense of calm when they use Cellier Ward and we are grateful to everyone who shared their feedback so that we could achieve the result we have today.”

 

Baroness Julia Neuberger, Chair of Whittington Health NHS Trust said:

“It really is a great achievement that we have managed to open the new ward and are now welcoming the first mums and babies despite the added pressure that Covid-19 had on the project timeline over the past few months.”

 

 “The team are dedicated and passionate about the care they give and I am looking forward to hearing the feedback from our maternity users as they enjoy this wonderful new space.”

 

As well as working hard to open the new ward at such a busy time, the maternity team were able to safely ensure that throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, one consistent birth partner was able to accompany women in labour. The Trust is proud to have been able to maintain this for its maternity users.

 

The improvements would not have been achieved without the support of The Whittington Health charity. Due to the long lasting support of the local community, the improvements have gone above and beyond what could have been done without charitable contributions, ensuring the best possible facilities for mothers to be and their Whittington babies.

 

For more information about Whittington Health’s maternity services visit: www.whittington.nhs.uk/maternity