Jersey maternity unit £6.4m refurbishment finishes

The centre now includes more birthing pools, en suite private rooms and the latest equipment, bosses say

The renovation of Jersey's maternity unit has finished, at a cost of £6.4m.

The centre now includes more birthing pools, en suite private rooms and the latest equipment, bosses said.

A scrutiny review in 2021 said not enough progress had been made to improve the inadequate facilities.

Women had to give birth in other facilities nearby while the work was carried out, but health bosses said the changes would increase privacy and dignity.

'Very hard work'

Lead midwife Jan Auffret said it had been a challenging couple of years.

She said: "Having worked through the refurbishment and the works going on, it's been very hard work for the staff that have been on the floor and for women and their families coming through the unit.

"But hopefully now they can see the rewards of that hard work."

She added the renovation had been much needed: "It came to the point where women didn't have bathroom facilities en suite.

"It was about privacy and dignity, and it really did need to be done."

Gordon Barney says the new unit is "a lot more relaxed"

Gordon Barney, a new father, had been in the ward two years earlier when his son was born.

He said: "When we were here last time, we could see that the ward was a little bit tired.

"We could hear some drilling noises and we know of some babies that were offered ear defenders to help manage that.

"Of course needs must, but, comparing that to our experience now, the facilities are lovely.

"My wife was only saying earlier she feels a lot more relaxed."

Jan Auffret, lead midwife, said it had been a challenging couple of years

The neo-natal unit has been moved and there are now three consultant-led rooms for high-risk patients and two midwifery-led rooms for low-risk mums.

Ros Bullen-Bell, director of midwifery and nursing, said the changes had really made a big difference to staff and new parents.

She said: "It means that we've got much better facilities within each room for when we're caring for our women.

"We're also able to provide lots more choice because of the different beds we've been able to purchase, and different facilities like birthing chairs and birthing pools."