Midwife LED Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne
Our client wished to convert the existing ground floor space below the Maternity Unit into a Midwife Led Unit for low risk childbirth, releasing bedspaces in the existing maternity for more complex cases and increasing throughput.
Whilst the new department complies with all Safer Childbirth directives, the brief was to provide a space that was more user friendly and that felt more like a brief stay in a hotel.
The unit provides 12 birthing rooms all with ensuite facilities; 5 with birthing pools and 1 for disabled mums-to-be. Space was at a premium within the existing area and so use was made of the internal courtyard to incorporate a new build living room. Birthing rooms have been designed with bespoke bedhead units to include and disguise any medical equipment, and given vibrant colours to lift the spaces. These coordinate with the soft fabrics within the rooms. The maple doors and maple effect vinyl add a warm touch which enhances the non hospital feel. Reception has been designed in glass, laminate and aluminium to give it a more modern feel, and the space includes soft seating and a children’s play area. The living room provides a quiet retreat with it’s full height glazed screens which can be opened out onto the landscaped patio.
