Working towards a dedicated triage area and reception for delivery suite
Working closely with maternity services at Bedford Hospital, Trust Capital Projects and approved contractors have been working on the creation of a brand new, dedicated and fit for purpose triage area and a reception desk and working area compliant with the Equality Act 2010.
Whilst there has been some disruption during the works, all mitigations have been put in place to minimise this. The plans included creating and using a separate area for triage during the works (based on the delivery suite, level one, Cygnet Wing) and carrying out works in a carefully planned, phased approach. The temporary triage area has been working successfully since late February and will remain in place until all other works are complete and it is safe and appropriate to transfer to the new triage area.
At all stages the project team have worked closely with the service to ensure the smooth running of the service and to make sure any and all issues are communicated clearly. This is a two-way approach with any concerns raised taken into careful consideration. So far this has worked well with staff being involved in the decision making throughout. This will continue until completion of the project.
Members of both the maternity team and Capital Projects attended the Bedford Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) Tea & Chat event on Tuesday 28 March 2023 to showcase the progress that has been made so far and talk about the plans moving forward.
This was a great interactive afternoon with really useful service user input to inform our design plans moving forward, our thanks to our Co-Chairs for supporting us to attend.
When this project is complete, the service will have:
- New dedicated triage area at the front of the delivery suite
- Small waiting area just inside the entrance to the delivery suite
- Brand new, fit for purpose reception desk and working space
The finished project will provide a welcoming entrance to the delivery suite itself and also an area specifically designed to provide the ideal environment for expectant mothers and their families at the time when they need monitoring and reassurance.
