Ward F11
F11 is the antenatal/postnatal ward where women are cared for after they have had their babies, but also if admission is needed before birth for pregnancy complications or induction of labour.
Services provided
We have 29 beds arranged in bays. A locker is provided to store personal belongings. We advise not to bring valuable items into hospital.
Examination of your newborn by a specially trained midwife or a paediatrician following birth is carried out within 72 hours of delivery.
Discharge is possible after six hours if appropriate. The length of your stay in hospital will depend on how you and your baby progress, how confident you feel and the support you have available at home. Your midwife will discuss and plan this with you.
Our staff are committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The maternity service has been awarded baby friendly initiative stage 3 in recognition of our support to women with their chosen method of feeding.
After your baby's delivery you have six weeks during which to register the birth. This should be done by visiting the Registrar of Births office in your local town.
Single rooms may be available at a statutory fee.
A Bounty distributor visits daily, distributing packs of free baby product samples and literature. A photographer from the Bounty service will also be happy to photograph your baby on the ward should you wish. Fees are available on request.
Visiting times
Patients undergoing induction of labour or in the latent phase of labour can have 1 designated birthing partner stay 24hrs a day.
Postnatal inpatients can have 1 support person stay overnight for their first full night postnatally.
- if you have your baby before midnight, and are transferred to the ward before 4am, then this will count as your first full night
- if you have your baby after midnight, the midwife will review your delivery history with you and discuss whether you wish for this to count as your first night, or to roll it to the following night
All other antenatal and postnatal inpatients:
1 designated birthing partner: 8:30am – 10pm
Own children: 2.30pm – 8pm
Additional daily visiting (2 visitors per slot):
'Additional visitors' are in addition to your own children and birthing partner, but must be over 12 years old.
Location
Ward F11 is located on the first floor of the hospital, exit the lifts to the left and turn right. It is opposite the labour suite.