Pregnancy and Birth Choices in the North East of England & North Cumbria
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Pregnancy and Birth Choices
in the North East of England
& North Cumbria
This is an online booklet.
There are sections for you to type in and print out for your maternity questions and choices.
You may wish to discuss these with your chosen maternity provider.
This document has been co-produced
with Maternity Voices Partnerships
Version 1.0, November 2018
Contents
3 Congratulations on your pregnancy 17 Cumbria - The Cumberland Infirmary
4 Where can I choose to give birth? 18 Cumbria - West Cumberland Hospital
5 Who is Who? 19 Gateshead - Queen Elizabeth Hospital
7 Maternity Units - What they offer 20 Newcastle - Royal Victoria Infirmary
8 Before your baby is due (Antenatal) 21 North Tees - University Hospital Of Hartlepool
9 After you’ve had your baby (Postnatal) 22 North Tees - University Hospital Of North Tees
10 Thoughts about your maternity care 23 Northumbria - Berwick MLU
11 Common questions to ask your midwife or doctor 24 Northumbria - Hexham General Hospital
11 Are there questions you want to ask? 25 Northumbria - Hillcrest Alnwick Infirmary
12 Specialist Services 26 Northumbria - Northumbria Specialist
Emergency Care Hospital
13 Maternity units in our region
27 South Tees - Friarage Maternity Centre
14 County Durham - Darlington Memorial Hospital
28 South Tees - James Cook University Hospital
15 County Durham - University Hospital Of North Durham
29 South Tyneside - South Tyneside District Hospital
16 Cumbria - Penrith Community Hospital
30 Sunderland - Sunderland Royal Hospital
page 2
Congratulations on your pregnancy
Now you have a positive pregnancy test you may want to think about booking with a maternity care provider. The sooner you do this the more choices
are available to you. The start of your pregnancy is an amazing time where your baby makes important growth and development.
How to book
You can contact your family doctor, (your G.P.), or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by ringing and asking to have your care there.
Core services Your Choices Who is who? CQC Birth Choices
The CQC is the independent regulator
• Antenatal Care in the Community You can choose to go to the closest Midwife: Midwives are the lead carers
of health and social care in England.
• Antenatal Ward or neighbouring maternity unit. Some for you in low risk pregnancies.
http://www.cqc.org.uk/help-advice/
hospitals are more suitable for women and They continue to care for you in
• Birthing Pools your-stories/making-your-birth-plan
children who have extra healthcare needs. high risk pregnancies, but your
• Birth Rooms obstetrician will be your lead carer. NHS Birth Choices
• Consultant Care Place of birth: Your maternity care
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-
• Home Birth Option provider will recommend a care Obstetrician: Obstetricians are specially
and-baby/where-can-i-give-birth/
pathway. This will be based on trained doctors in pregnancy and
• Midwife Led Care
your medical history and current childbirth. You will have a named Which? Birth Choices
• Neonatal Care wellbeing of you and your baby. obstetrician if you need medical expertise. https://www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
• Postnatal Care in the Community
• Postnatal Ward Think about the questions you would G.P: G.P.s are your family doctors and Safer Pregnancy
like to ask the midwife, obstetrician are specialists in general medicine. You https://saferpregnancy.org.uk
or G.P. through your pregnancy. and your family need to be registered
Public Health Support with a G.P. close to your home. Best Beginnings
There are different types of https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk
Support Services: You can ask your
midwife or G.P for advice and support with:
birthing choices available: Ask
• Home Birth • What are my options?
• Stopping Smoking
• Stand-alone / Free-standing • How do I get support to help me
• Emotional Support
Midwifery Led Unit MLU make a decision that is right for me?
• Stopping Drinking
• Alongside / Co-located • What are the pros and cons?
• Eating Healthily Midwifery Led Unit MLU
• Seasonal Flu Vaccinations • Consultant Led Unit
• Whooping Cough Vaccine • Independent Midwifery
page 3
You can choose to go to the closest or a neighbouring maternity unit. Some units are more suitable if your baby needs specialist medical care.
Where can I choose to give birth?
In a free-standing In an alongside In a hospital
midwifery unit midwifery unit consultant-led
At home (birth centre) (birth centre) (obstetric unit)
• At home you will be • A free-standing midwifery • An alongside midwifery unit, which is • An obstetric unit is a hospital
in a familiar place and unit is usually ‘home-like’, and usually ‘home-like’, is in a main hospital environment with a medical
feel comfortable in your is in a different place from the but separate from the obstetric unit. team (obstetricians, anaesthetists,
own surroundings. hospital obstetric unit. • A midwife will be with you for most neonatologists/paediatricians)
• A midwife will be with you for your • A midwife will be with you for most of your labour and a maternity and medical equipment.
labour and a maternity support of your labour and a maternity support worker or second • A midwife will be with you for most
worker or second midwife will be support worker or second midwife may also be there. of your labour and a maternity
there for the birth of your baby. midwife may also be there. • You are more likely to see the same support worker or second
• You are more likely to see the same • You are more likely to see the same person throughout your care than midwife may also be there.
person throughout your care. person throughout your care than you would in an obstetric unit. • If you or your baby need to see a
• If you or your baby need to see a you would in an obstetric unit. • If you or your baby need to see doctor, your midwife will call a doctor
doctor, your midwife will call an • If you or your baby need to see a a doctor, you will be transferred who is available on site who will come
ambulance and you will be transferred doctor, your midwife will call an to an obstetric unit on the same to your room to see you. A neonatal
to a hospital obstetric unit. ambulance and you will be transferred site. A neonatal unit is also unit is also available on site; these
to a hospital obstetric unit. available on site; these will differ will differ in levels of care provided.
• Pain relief options may include a
bath or birthing pool which you • Pain relief options may include in levels of care provided. • Pain relief options may include gas and
provide, gas and air (Entonox) or a birthing pool (if available), gas • Pain relief options may include air (Entonox), an opiate injection of pain
an opiate injection of pain relief. and air (Entonox), or an opiate a birthing pool (if available), gas relief, a birthing pool (if available), and
injection of pain relief. and air (Entonox), or an opiate an epidural. Note: An epidural is only
• You will be able to use your own
injection of pain relief. available in a hospital obstetric unit.
facilities including toilet and bathroom. • It is less likely that you will have
to share toilet and bathroom • It is less likely that you will have • You are more likely to have to share
• You can choose how many, and
facilities with other people. to share toilet and bathroom toilet and bathroom facilities.
who you want, as birth supporters.
facilities with other people.
National transfer rates to the obstetric unit are higher for women having their first baby. From home 45%, free-standing midwifery unit 36%,
alongside midwifery unit 40%. For women having second & subsequent baby; home 12%, free standing midwifery unit 9% alongside unit 13%
page 4
You can choose to go to the closest or a neighbouring maternity unit. Some units are more suitable if your baby needs specialist medical care.
Who is Who?
A Midwife will look after you during labour An Obstetrician is a doctor specialising Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Upon Tyne doctors who are obstetricians with additional
and, if everything is straightforward, will in the care of women during pregnancy. (RVI) the regional tertiary referral centre training in the management of babies
deliver your baby. If any complications Your midwife or GP will refer you for an and James Cook University Hospital with health complications, such as smaller
develop during your pregnancy or delivery, appointment with an obstetrician if they in Middlesbrough. Some women will than usual or suspected abnormalities.
you will also see a doctor. After birth, have a particular concern, such as previous have to travel for regular appointments
you and your baby will be cared for by complications in pregnancy or chronic to the fetal medicine department to There are two hospitals in the area offering
midwives and maternity support workers. illness. You can also request to see an see their fetal medicine specialist. more specialist diagnostic services such as
obstetrician if you have a particular concern. amniocentesis (sampling the fluid around
A Community Midwife is often your first A Fetal Medicine Doctor is an obstetrician the baby to assess the baby’s chromosomes)
point of contact. Many work from Medical A Neonatologist is a doctor specialising who has a special interest in fetal and chorionic villus biopsy (sampling the
or Health Centres alongside General in the care of newborn babies. They work medicine; they will care for you at your placenta): these are the Royal Victoria
Practitioners, Health Visitors and Dieticians. in specialist wards for premature, ill and local hospital. They work closely with Infirmary in Newcastle and James Cook
The community teams are based in locations compromised babies who need extra support. fetal medicine specialists to ensure your University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where
within the city close to the women and care happens in the safest place. there are fetal medicine subspecialist doctors.
families to whom they provide care. They A Paediatrician is a doctor who specialises
work every day and also provide an on call in the care of babies and children from birth Fetal Medicine Services The Northern The Fetal Medicine Centre at the Royal
service for home births wherever possible. to their late teen years. A paediatrician or regions work closely together to provide Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle is able
neonatologist may check your baby after as much specialist care as close to to provide further specialised care and
Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) the birth to make sure all is well and may your home as possible, with referral for treatments for babies who might need
These are experienced midwives who have be present when your baby is born, if the more specialist opinions and treatments transfusions in the womb, or placing of
undertaken extra training; they use a national midwife or doctors have requested they are when it is absolutely necessary. shunts into the baby’s bladder or chest.
model called A-EQUIP which helps midwives their for the delivery. If your baby has any Care of newborn babies who will need
to help women, their families and other problems, you will be able to talk this over Fetal Medicine services across the North complex surgery when they are born,
midwives to, advocate, improve the quality with the paediatrician / neonatologist. East and North Cumbria are provided are seen by the specialist paediatricians
of maternity services, help with education by small teams of closely connected alongside the fetal medicine team.
and give midwives clinical supervision. A Sonographer performs ultrasound doctors, midwives and other specialists in
scans. Many midwives are also trained the management of unborn babies who
A Maternity Support Worker (MSW) as sonographers for pregnancy. are at higher risk of complications.
helps with many tasks on the wards;
in clinic, in theatre, on the Delivery A Fetal Medicine Specialist is an obstetrician All maternity services in the North East
Suite and Birthing Centre. They ensure doctor who specialises in unborn babies and North Cumbria are able to offer fetal
the smooth running of the unit. (fetal) medicine; they work at the Royal medicine care, provided by fetal medicine
page 5
Who is Who?
A Dietician provides advice about healthy A Clinical Psychologist specialises in working A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a trained A Physiotherapist is specially trained to
eating or special diets, for example if with people who have mental health disorders nurse specialising in new born babies. help you cope with the physical changes
you develop gestational diabetes. or psychological distress. If you have a known during pregnancy and childbirth. You may
mental health condition before you become Students: Some of the health professionals be referred if you are receiving back or
A Clinical Psychiatrist is a doctor specialising pregnant you may already see a psychologist. you see will have students with them. The pelvic pain, bladder or bowel problems.
in mental health, if you have a known Some women become mentally unwell students will be at various stages of their Individual appointments offer advice
mental health condition before you whilst pregnant or once they have had their training but will always be supervised. You can and safe effective exercises to help you
become pregnant, you may already see a baby and may need to be seen by a specialist say no, but if you let a student be present it manage during your pregnancy and return
psychiatrist. If you develop mental illness clinical psychologist for support. Your will help their education and may even add you to health and fitness after delivery.
during your pregnancy, or after your baby midwife or G.P. can refer you to the Perinatal to your experience of pregnancy and labour.
is born, you may see a psychiatrist. Your Mental Health team if you need support. A Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) is a
midwif or G.P. can refer you to the Perinatal An Anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises NHS working group: a team of women and
Mental Health team if you need support. An Infant Feeding Co-ordinator is either in providing pain relief and anaesthesia. If you their families, commissioners and providers
a midwife or a health visitor who work decide to have an epidural, it will be given (midwives and doctors) working together to
for hospital trusts. They are specialists in by an anaesthetist. If you require a caesarean review and contribute to the development
helping women with their choice in feeding section or an instrumental delivery (e.g. of local maternity care. Please ask your
their babies, when they need extra support. using forceps or ventouse), an anaesthetist midwife about groups in your local area.
They have undertaken specialist training will provide the appropriate anaesthesia. http://nationalmaternityvoices.org.uk/
to give clinical advice on breastfeeding,
bottle feeding or a combination of both. Health Visitors are specially trained
Midwives and doctors can refer you to nurses and midwives who offer
them should you require their services. help and support with the health
of the whole family. You will meet
A Nursery Nurse where available will help you your health visitor before the birth
care for your baby on the postnatal ward. of your baby and you will be visited
by a member of the team in the first
A Researcher may ask if you will participate few weeks after your baby is born.
in a research project. This may be to
test a new treatment or to find out your
options on an aspect of your care. Such
projects are vital to improve maternity
care. The project should be fully explained
to you and you are free to say no.
page 6Maternity Units - What they offer
You can choose to go to the closest, or a neighbouring, maternity unit. Some units are more suitable if you or your baby need specialist medical care.
Hambleton,
Northumberland Tyne & Wear Durham & Darlington Teesside North Cumbria
Richmond and Whitby
Obstetric NSECH - Northumbria Royal Victoria Infirmary, University Hospital University Hospital of Cumberland
Consultant- Specialist Emergency Newcastle upon Tyne. of North Durham. North Tees, Stockton. Infirmary, Carlisle.
led Care Hospital.
Sunderland Royal Hospital. Darlington Memorial James Cook West Cumbria
Hospital. University Hospital Hospital, Whitehaven.
Gateshead Queen Middlesbrough.
Elizabeth Hospital.
Alongside / NSECH - Northumbria Royal Victoria Infirmary, University Hospital University Hospital of Cumberland
Co-located Specialist Emergency Newcastle upon Tyne. of North Durham. North Tees, Stockton. Infirmary, Carlisle.
MLU Care Hospital.
Sunderland Royal Hospital. Darlington Memorial James Cook West Cumbria
Hospital. University Hospital Hospital, Whitehaven.
Gateshead Queen Middlesbrough.
Elizabeth Hospital.
Stand-alone / Berwick MLU. South Tyneside District Hospital University Hospital The Friarage Maternity Penrith Birthing
Free-standing (as of late summer 2019). of Hartlepool. Centre, Northallerton. Centre.
MLU Hexham MLU.
Hillcrest Alnwick MLU.
Where units have a co-located MLU provision, the birthing environment may not be physically separated. The birthing environment
may be a designated room/s or section of a labour ward where women follow a midwifery-led care pathway.
Home Each trust offers a home birth service
Independent Independent Midwifery: Provision for independent midwifery, Yorkshire Storks Midwifery collective and a number of sole
Midwifery traders provide services for the Northern areas. http://www.imuk.org.uk/families/find-a-midwife
page 7
You can choose to go to the closest or a neighbouring maternity unit. Some units are more suitable if your baby needs specialist medical care.Before your baby is due (Antenatal) Every woman is entitled to antenatal care. You will
be offered a range of appointments and tests. If you
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby have a complicated pregnancy you may need more
appointments or tests than those shown on these pages.
Seven to ten appointments Your midwife will enquire about your
with your midwife, GP health and mood at every visit to identify
Routine Blood Tests to identify your blood group and check for various
or obstetrician (a doctor any problems early. https://www.nhs.
illnesses or genetic blood disorders which includes: HIV, Syphilis,Hepatitis B,
who specialises in uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/
Anaemia (Low Iron), Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
pregnancy and birth). mental-health-problems-pregnant
pregnancy-and-baby/screening-blood-test-infectious-diseases-pregnant
1 2 3 There are some foods you should avoid when pregnant, to find out more, visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/foods-to-avoid-pregnant
Always check with your GP, Pharmacist or Midwife before you take any medicine.
Ultrasound scan (when you are
4 Whooping cough vaccine. This is
8 to 14 weeks pregnant) to confirm usually given between 16 and 38 weeks.
your expected due date. The scan Information on feeding
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
can be combined with blood tests your baby. Visit: https://
pregnancy-and-baby/whooping-
to screen for genetic conditions www.nhs.uk/conditions/
cough-vaccination-pregnant
including Down’s, Edwards’ and pregnancy-and-baby/
9
breastfeeding-first-days
5
Patau's syndrome (also known
as T21, T18 and T13). For more and https://www.nhs.uk/
information about Down conditions/pregnancy-and-
Syndrome, visit the Positive About baby/bottle-feeding-advice
Down Syndrome website: https://
6 7 8
10
positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk/
Ultrasound screening anomaly scan (18+0 to 20+6 weeks) Flu vaccination. This is given during Parent Education.
to check for possible physical problems with your baby flu season, as soon as possible after Antenatal classes are
and to check your baby's growth. This is also the scan the vaccine becomes available (usually offered to parents
when your baby's sex may be determined. https://www. September), but may be given up with information
The opportunity to
nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/ultrasound-
anomaly-baby-scans-pregnant/#when-are-scans-
offered. Ask your midwife for a MAT B1 certificate - this
until the end of March depending
on availability. https://www.nhs.
uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-
that will help you
prepare for birth
and parenthood.
meet your Health
Visitor before you 11
have your baby.
confirms your pregnancy for your employer. baby/flu-jab-vaccine-pregnant
page 8After you’ve had your baby (Postnatal)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby Postnatal care is carried out by community midwives, in your home, or
in a clinic. The community midwife will hand over to your health visitor
Spending as much time skin-to-skin with your baby after when she discharges you between day 10 and 28 after birth.
birth, where possible, will help you and your baby to
develop a close, loving relationship. It also helps your baby
to get off to the right start with keeping warm and wanting
to feed. Even babies on special care baby units will be able Vitamin K by injection or
to have skin-to-skin as soon as they are well enough. oral supplement for your Sample of blood taken from your baby’s
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy- baby. https://www.nhs.uk/ heel at around day 5. Newborn blood spot
and-baby/your-baby-after-birth conditions/pregnancy-and- screening involves taking a blood sample
baby/your-baby-after-birth to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare
1 2 but serious health conditions: https://
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-
and-baby/newborn-blood-spot-test/
6
Newborn and
Infant Physical
Examination 3 7
(NIPE), within the
first 72 hours after birth. Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious after giving birth. In most
cases this will be the "baby blues" and is so common that it's considered
The examination includes
screening tests to find
out if your baby has any 4 5 normal and does not need treatment; baby blues can last up to a couple
of weeks. About 1 in 5 women will experience some form of mental
health problem. There are a wide range of support options to help you
problems with their eyes, feel better. Your Midwife and Health Visitor will ask you about how you
Newborn hearing screening. Infant feeding support from midwives,
heart, hips and, in boys, the are feeling regularly; you can ask your Midwife or Health Visitor for
https://www.nhs.uk/ maternity support workers and health
testicles (testes). https:// more information. If you have a history of a more serious mental health
conditions/pregnancy-and- visitors, who will advise and support
www.nhs.uk/conditions/ problem (such as psychosis or bipolar disorder) then you should be
baby/newborn-hearing-test you in your chosen method.
pregnancy-and-baby/ offered more specialist support to keep you well.
For more information visit the national
newborn-physical-exam https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-
breastfeeding help line: https://www.
baby/feeling-depressed-after-birth
nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk
page 9Thoughts about your maternity care
Please use this page to note down anything you would like to discuss with your Midwife/Obstetrician. Everytime you meet your care provider is
an opportunity to discuss your birth choices. Wherever you see the pencil icon you can type directly onto this document.
What I want to discuss at What is important to me What is important to me What choices are available at this
my next appointment… for my baby’s birth? after my baby is born? point in my pregnancy?
Don’t forget to ask...
page 10Common questions “What foods
should I “Who will advise “Who will help
me with feeding
to ask your midwife avoid?” me about caring
for my baby after my baby?”
he/she is born?”
or doctor
“Can I use the
“Can my birth pool?”
“What do I need to “Where can I attend birthing partner
“How do I register know about my baby’s antenatal and cut the cord?”
my baby’s name?” movements?” postnatal classes?”
Are there questions
“What kinds of pain
relief are available?” “Can I choose to you want to ask?
go to a different
hospital than the
one closest to me?”
“Can my partner stay
overnight with me?”
“Will my specialist
midwife look after me “What does
when I’m in labour?” induction of https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
labour mean?”
page 11Penrith Community
Hillcrest @ Alnwick
Specialist Emergency
University Hospital
University Hospital
University Hospital
University Hospital
Memorial Hospital
Friarage Maternity
West Cumberland
Of North Durham
Specialist
The Cumberland
Hexham General
Queen Elizabeth
District Hospital
South Tyneside
Royal Hospital
Of North Tees
Of Hartlepool
Royal Victoria
Berwick MLU
James Cook
Care Hospital
Northumbria
Sunderland
Darlington
Infirmary
Infirmary
Infirmary
Services
Hospital
Hospital
Hospital
Hospital
Centre
Obstetric Consultant-led
Alongside / Co-located MLU
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU
Homebirth
Fetal Medicine Department*
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
Diabetes Specialist
/ Link Midwife
Drug & Alcohol Support
Clinic for women with
a history of previous
loss early pregnancy
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support
Raised Body Mass Index
(BMI) Support
Support for women who
have had caesarean section
but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with
the opportunity for
partner to stay over
Epidural Service
All hospitals have doctors / obstetricians who can share some of the care for women who are seen in fetal medicine. The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) at Newcastle has a specific fetal medicine department that covers the most complex page 12
pregnancies where fetal medicine involvement is required. For some women their care will be centred at the RVI because of their baby's needs. All the hospitals in the region work together to support mothers and babies with complex illnesses.Maternity units A
in our region
A. Berwick MLU, Northumbria page 23
B. Darlington Memorial Hospital,
County Durham page 14
C. Friarage Maternity Centre, South Tees page 27
D. Hexham General Hospital, Northumbria page 24 E
E. Hillcrest Alnwick Infirmary, Northumbria page 25
F. James Cook University Hospital, South Tees page 28
G. Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care
Hospital, Northumbria page 26
H. Penrith Community Hospital, Cumbria page 16 G
I. Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead page 19
J. Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle page 20 D J K
K. South Tyneside District Hospital, I
M
South Tyneside page 29 L
L. Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland page 30 O
M. The Cumberland Infirmary, Cumbria page 17
N
N. University Hospital Of Hartlepool, North Tees page 22
O. University Hospital Of North Durham, H
County Durham page 15 P
P. University Hospital Of North Tees, B
F
North Tees page 22 Q
Q. West Cumberland Hospital, Cumbria page 18
C
You can click on the page number to view
information about that hospital.
page 13
You can choose to go to the closest or a neighbouring maternity unit. Some units are more suitable if your baby needs specialist medical care.County Durham
Darlington Memorial Hospital
NHS Trust Hospital Booking
Hollyhurst Road, Darlington DL3 6HX
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
01325 380 100 or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
http://www.cddft.nhs.uk ringing and asking to have your care there.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital How to find Darlington Memorial Hospital
Obstetric Consultant-led By Rail: Take the Intercity service to
Alongside / Co-located MLU Darlington. There is a taxi rank outside
Homebirth Darlington Railway Station. The hospital
is one and a quarter miles away.
Fetal Medicine Doctors
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) By Bus: Most buses to Darlington
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife Memorial Hospital leave from stand H
Drug & Alcohol Support at the top of Tubwell Row or stand L
towards the bottom of Tubwell Row.
Clinic for women with a history of
previous loss early pregnancy
Car Parking: Car park spaces are available.
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
is available free of charge for Blue
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Support for women who have had
spaces in our hospital car parks.
caesarean section but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
page 14County Durham
University Hospital Of North Durham
NHS Trust Hospital Booking
North Road, Durham DH1 5TW
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
0191 333 2908 or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
http://www.cddft.nhs.uk ringing and asking to have your care there.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital How to find University Hospital
of North Durham
Obstetric Consultant-led
Alongside / Co-located MLU By Rail: Durham Rail links are located either
10 minutes’ walk from the Town centre, or
Homebirth
alternatively 30 minutes’ walk from UHND.
Fetal Medicine Doctors
Taxis are available from the station.
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife By Bus: Regular bus route to hospital
from city centre to hospital.
Drug & Alcohol Support
Clinic for women with a history of Car Parking: Car park spaces are available.
previous loss early pregnancy
Bereavement Service Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
Teenage pregnancy support is available free of charge for Blue
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
spaces in our hospital car parks.
Support for women who have had
caesarean section but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
page 15Cumbria
Penrith Community Hospital
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU How to find Penrith Community Hospital
Penrith Community Hospital Bridge
Lane, Penrith CA11 8HX Car Parking: Car Parking is available at a
charge across all sites. There is also ‘Car
01768 245 558 parking for women in labour’ Parking spaces
http://www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk at the maternity unit, which are free.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
is available free of charge for Blue
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Homebirth
spaces in our hospital car park.
Alternative pain relief
Stop smoking service
page 16Cumbria
The Cumberland Infirmary
Cumberland Infirmary Newtown How to find Cumberland Infirmary
Road, Carlisle CA2 7HY
By Rail: If you are arriving into Carlisle by
01228 814 266 train, bus services 60, 67 and 68 to the
http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk Cumberland Infirmary can all be caught near
the train station, from just outside the Courts.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
By Bus: Stagecoach run buses frequently
Obstetric Consultant-led
to the Cumberland Infirmary from the
Alongside / Co-located MLU centre of Carlisle and the surrounding
Homebirth area. You can read more about their
Fetal Medicine Doctors services here https://www.stagecoachbus.
com/plan-a-journey or call them on
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
0871 200 22 33. (Calls cost 10p per minute
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife
from a BT landline, calls from other service
Drug & Alcohol Support providers and calls from mobiles may vary).
Clinic for women with a history of
previous loss early pregnancy Parking: Car Parking is available on site
with designated disabled parking bays.
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
Support for women who have had
caesarean section but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
page 17Cumbria
West Cumberland Hospital
Homewood Road, Hensingham, How to find West Cumberland Hospital
Whitehaven CA28 8JG
By Car: Car Parking is available on site
0194 652 3242 with designated disabled parking bays.
http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk
By Bus: Buses run frequently to West
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital Cumberland Hospital from the centre of
Whitehaven and the surrounding area.
Obstetric Consultant-led
You can read more about their services
Alongside / Co-located MLU here https://www.stagecoachbus.
Homebirth com/plan-a-journey or call them on
Fetal Medicine Doctors 0871 200 22 33. (Calls cost 10p per minute
from a BT landline, calls from other service
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
providers and calls from mobiles may vary).
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife
Drug & Alcohol Support
Clinic for women with a history of
previous loss early pregnancy
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
Support for women who have had
caesarean section but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
page 18Gateshead
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
NHS Trust Hospital Booking
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Site Queen
Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead NE9 6SX You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
0191 445 2153 ringing and asking to have your care there.
http://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk
How to find Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
By Bus: Most of the bus services that run
Obstetric Consultant-led past the QE are run by Go North East.
Alongside / Co-located MLU
Homebirth Car Parking: Car park spaces are available.
Fetal Medicine Doctors
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is available free of charge for Blue
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Drug & Alcohol Support spaces in our hospital car parks.
Clinic for women with a history of
previous loss early pregnancy
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
Support for women who have had
caesarean section but want a natural birth
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
page 19Newcastle
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over
Epidural Service
Royal Victoria Infirmary Stop smoking service
NHS Trust Hospital Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Queen Victoria Road New Victoria Fetal Medicine Specialists
Wing, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP
Maternal Medicine Specialist Team
0191 282 5748 Birth Reflections - a Midwifery led support
http://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk service for women who have had previous
traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic EPAC
Access to specialist mental health support
Obstetric Consultant-led
Multiple pregnancy specialist
Alongside / Co-located MLU
/ Link Midwife
Homebirth
Fetal Diagnostic Services, Fetal
Medicine Department and Clinic Booking
Fetal medicine treatment services
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
Fetal service for genetics, cardiology
or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
and surgical conditions.
ringing and asking to have your care there. Parking: We have a ‘pay on foot’ multi- Park and Ride: Available from Regent
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) storey car park at the RVI which is easily Centre, Gosforth. Parking is £1 per day. Bus
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife How to find Royal Victoria Infirmary
accessible from Queen Victoria Road. number 46 calls at Haymarket, RVI Leazes
Drug & Alcohol Support Wing and Campus for Ageing and Vitality.
By Metro: The nearest Metro station is
Pay and display parking is also available on the 20-minute journey time to the RVI.
Clinic for women with a history of Haymarket. On foot from Haymarket,
RVI site outside the main New Victoria Wing,
previous loss early pregnancy either walk through the university
Emergency Department and Dental Hospital. For further information about public
Bereavement Service campus, or up St Thomas Street, until
transport visit https://www.nexus.org.uk
Teenage pregnancy support you reach Queen Victoria Road. Disabled Parking: Disabled parking or telephone Traveline 0871 200 2233.
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support is available free of charge for Blue
By Bus: The nearest bus station is Haymarket.
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Support for women who have had On foot from Haymarket, either walk through
spaces in our hospital car parks
caesarean section but want a natural birth the university campus, or up St Thomas
Alternative pain relief Street, until you reach Queen Victoria Road.
page 20North Tees
University Hospital Of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road, Hartlepool, How to find University Hospital Of Hartlepool
Cleveland, TS24 9AH
The University Hospital of Hartlepool is
01642 617617 located near Hartlepool town centre. A
http://www.nth.nhs.uk regular bus service operates between
Hartlepool town centre and the hospital,
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital and towns and villages nearby. We
are just a five minute taxi ride away
Alongside / Co-located MLU from Hartlepool railway station.
Homebirth
By Bus: You can get information
Alternative pain relief from: Stagecoach Bus – call
Postnatal ward with the opportunity Hartlepool 01429 267092 / Stockton
for partner to stay over 01642 602112 Arriva – call Arriva
Epidural Service customer service 0844 800 44 11 or
Stop smoking service Traveline 0871 200 22 33.
By Road: If you are getting dropped off at
the hospital we have allocated drop off
Specialist Antenatal clinics
zones. If you are driving to the hospital you
for high risk pregnancies can download the directions at https://
www.nth.nhs.uk/content/uploads/2014/05/
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife
university-hospital-hartlepool-map.pdf
Drug and alcohol support
Parking: We use the ParkingEye system at
Teenage pregnancy support
the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the
Fetal medicine doctor
University Hospital of North Tees. This system
Multiple pregnancy specialist means we don’t have car parking barriers.
/ Link Midwife It uses automatic number plate recognition
to capture vehicle registrations on entrance
and exit and checks if the appropriate tariff
has been paid for the length of stay on site.
page 21North Tees
University Hospital Of North Tees
NHS Trust Hospital Stop smoking service
Hardwick, Stockton-On-Tees TS19 8PE
Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Support
01642 38 2818 Early pregnancy assessment diagnostic
http://www.nth.nhs.uk and treatment services
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital Booking
Obstetric Consultant-led You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
Alongside / Co-located MLU or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
ringing and asking to have your care there.
Homebirth
Fetal Medicine Doctors How to find University Hospital of North Tees
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
By Bus: You can get information from:
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife
Drug & Alcohol Support • Stagecoach Bus – or call Hartlepool
Clinic for women with a history of 01429 267092 / Stockton 01642 602112.
previous loss early pregnancy • Arriva – or call Arriva customer
Bereavement Service service 0844 800 44 11 or Traveline
Teenage pregnancy support 0871 200 22 33.
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
By Car: There is the main visitor car park
Support for women who have had
opposite A&E, and a visitor car park near the
caesarean section but want a natural birth
West Wing (near the Butterwick Hospice).
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
for partner to stay over is available free of charge for Blue
Epidural Service Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
spaces in our hospital car parks.
page 22Northumbria
Berwick MLU
Infirmary Square, Berwick- Booking
Upon-Tweed TD15 1LT
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
0128 935 6622 or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
http://www.northumbria.nhs.uk ringing and asking to have your care there.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital How to find Berwick MLU
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU By Car: Exit the A1 at the roundabout and
Homebirth follow the A698 Signposted Berwick. Go left
Alternative pain relief at the next main roundabout and follow the
signs for the town centre. At the roundabout,
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
take the first exit over the bridge. Turn left at
for partner to stay over
the next main junction and continue along
Stop smoking service the A1167 for 200 metres. Turn right onto
Scott’s Place, then turn left onto Brucegate.
Parking: Car Parking is available
at a charge across all sites.
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
is available free of charge for Blue
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
spaces in our hospital car park.
page 23Northumbria
Hexham General Hospital
Corbridge Road, Hexham NE46 1QJ How to find Hexham General Hospital
0143 465 5706 By Bus: For up to date bus information,
http://www.northumbria.nhs.uk please use the Traveline service
http://www.traveline.info
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
By Rail: Hexham receives regular services
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU from Newcastle Central Station and Carlisle.
Homebirth The hospital is a short walk from the station.
Alternative pain relief Check The Trainline for timetables of all
services. http://www.thetrainline.com
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over
By Car: Leave the A1 at the junction with
Stop smoking service A69 and A186; join the A69 for approximately
17 miles, by-passing Corbridge. Once
past Corbridge, leave the A69 at the
next large roundabout (signposted to
Hexham). Follow signs into Hexham,
then turn left onto the A695 Corbridge
Road (signposted to Corbridge).
page 24Northumbria
Hillcrest Alnwick Infirmary
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU How to find Hillcrest Alnwick
South Road, Alnwick NE66 2NS
By Bus: For up to date bus information,
01434 655 352 please use the Traveline service
http://www.northumbria.nhs.uk http://www.traveline.info
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital By Rail: Closest railway station is
Alnmouth (for Alnwick) Station. Check
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU
The Trainline for timetables of all
Homebirth services. http://www.thetrainline.com
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity By Car: From the north: From the A1 take
for partner to stay over the second exit for Alnwick. At the first
roundabout turn right, then turn left at second
Stop smoking service
roundabout. Continue for about 400 metres
with the hospital on the right. From the south:
From the A1 take the first exit for Alnwick. At
the first roundabout go straight on, then turn
left at second roundabout. Continue for about
400 metres with the hospital on the right.
Car Parking: Car parking is available
at a charge across all sites.
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
is available free of charge for Blue
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
spaces in our hospital car park.
page 25Northumbria
Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital
Northumbria Way, How to find Northumbria Healthcare
Cramlington NE23 6NZ
By Car: Northumbria Specialist Emergency
0191 607 2318 Care Hospital is accessible from the
http://www.northumbria.nhs.uk A189 at East Cramlington, to the north of
the Moor Farm roundabout. It is signposted
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
from the northbound and southbound
slip roads closest to the hospital.
Obstetric Consultant-led
Alongside / Co-located MLU If you are travelling by car, we have
Homebirth produced videos to help direct you to
Fetal Medicine Doctors the hospital. Please visit he directions
and transport section of the following
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
webpage: https://www.northumbria.
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife
nhs.uk/our-locations/northumbria-
Drug & Alcohol Support specialist-emergency-care-hospital/
Clinic for women with a history of
previous loss early pregnancy For up to date bus information, please use the
Traveline service http://www.traveline.info
Bereavement Service
Teenage pregnancy support
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
Support for women who have had North Tyneside Wansbeck General Hospital
caesarean section but want a natural birth General Hospital
Woodhorn Lane, Ashington,
Alternative pain relief
Northumberland NE63 9JJ
Rake Lane, North Shields NE29 8NH
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over 0344 811 8111
0344 811 8111
Stop smoking service http://www.northumbria.nhs.uk
Epidural Service
These units operate; antenatal clinics, ultrasound scanning and specialist midwife services.
Women's psychologist service
page 26South Tees
Friarage Maternity Centre
Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG For further information about local
bus times contact 0870 6082608.
01609 779911
https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/ The major bus operators are Arriva at
hospitals/friarage http://www.arriva.co.uk and Stagecoach
Transit at http://www.stagecoach.com.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital
By Road: Please try to arrange for
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU
a relative or friend to bring you to
Homebirth hospital as parking space is limited.
Alternative pain relief
Postnatal ward with the opportunity Car Parking: There is a car parking
for partner to stay over fee of £2 for 24-hours on site. The
Friarage is currently undergoing a
Stop smoking service
£21million redevelopment so there
is a lot of building work on-site.
How to find Friarage Hospital
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking is available
By Rail: Rail information Arriva Trains
Northern, GNER and Virgin Cross
Country are the local rail operators.
For more information about rail services
contact 0845 7484950 or click onto
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
By Bus: Bus information Local bus
services provide regular links within
Northallerton to most major towns and
villages in the surrounding area.
page 27South Tees
Alternative pain relief
Epidural Service
Stop smoking service
James Cook University Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Hospital with facilities for parents to stay
NHS Trust Hospital Fetal Diagnostic Services
Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW Maternal Medicine Specialist Team
Early pregnancy assessment, diagnostic
01642 854 815
and treatment services including
https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/
7 day ultrasound scan assessment
hospitals/james-cook
On-site access to IAPT services-
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital Improving Access to Psychological
Therapy designed to offer short term
Obstetric Consultant-led psychological therapies to people
Alongside / Co-located MLU suffering from anxiety, depression or
stress during and after pregnancy The major bus operators are Arriva, By Rail: The James Cook University
Homebirth
Access to specialist mental health support Stagecoach on Teesside and Leven Valley. Hospital rail station is now in operation.
Fetal Medicine Specialists For further information about local bus The service, operated by Northern Rail,
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Booking times call Traveline on 0871 2002233 or is on the Esk Valley line that connects
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife visit the Connect Tees Valley website Middlesbrough and Whitby, via Nunthorpe.
Drug & Alcohol Support You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.) http://www.connectteesvalley.com. The station is on the east side of the site
or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by and is a five to ten minute walk from the
Support for women who have If you are travelling from further afield
ringing and asking to have your care there. hospital’s South and Bridge entrances.
had previous traumatic births contact National Express Coach
Bereavement Service How to find James Cook University Hospital Services on 08717 818178. For information about ticket prices to others
Teenage pregnancy support stops and season ticket arrangements, visit
By Car: https://www.southtees.nhs. Bus services stopping at/near the National Rail Enquiries website http://
Healthy lifestyle clinics to support women
uk/hospitals/james-cook/parking James Cook include: www.nationalrail.co.uk. For more information
with a raised Body Mass Index (BMI)
including dietetic and exercise support about rail services contact 0845 7484950.
By Bus: Local bus services provide • Arriva: 28, 28b, 29, 29a, 63
Support for women who have had regular links from Middlesbrough and • Stagecoach on Teesside: Next nearest stations:
caesarean section but want a natural birth most major towns in the North east. 10, 10a, 11, 605, 610
Postnatal ward with the opportunity • North Yorkshire services – Abbotts of • James Cook
Leeming: X80, X89 • Marton – 1 mile
for partner to stay over
• Middlesbrough – 2.5 miles
page 28South Tyneside
South Tyneside District Hospital
NHS Trust Hospital Booking
Harton Lane, South Shields NE34 0PL
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
0191 404 1003 or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
http://www.stft.nhs.uk ringing and asking to have your care there.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital How to find South Tyneside Hospital
Stand-alone / Free-standing MLU By Metro: The nearest metro station
Homebirth to the hospital is ‘Tyne Dock’. There
Alternative pain relief are two bus stops on Harton Lane.
Postnatal ward / room with the
By Bus: The following buses are accessible
opportunity for partner to stay over
from these bus stops: - 10, 11, 12, 13,
Obstetric antenatal clinic 14, 526, 528, 533, 544 and x50.
Maternal and Fetal medicine
antenatal clinic appointments By Car: The car parks at South Tyneside
District Hospital When parking on site
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support
please ensure you park in a public/
Support and advice for women
visitor car park (not staff) and pay for
discussing vaginal birth after a
the appropriate amount of time you
previous caesarean section
will be on site. Clear signage is installed
Stop smoking service throughout the car parks and entrances.
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
is available free of charge for Blue
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’ South Tyneside maternity services will locally. Obstetricians and other health
spaces in our hospital car parks be changing; as of late summer 2019, care professionals will visit the midwifery-
becoming a free-standing midwifery-led led birthing centre during clinic hours.
Traveline public transport: 0871 200 22 33 birthing centre open 24/7. Antenatal and
North East minicom: 0870 2412216 postnatal appointments will still take place
page 29Sunderland
Sunderland Royal Hospital
NHS Trust Hospital, Booking
Kayll Road, Sunderland SR4 7TP
You can self-refer via your family doctor (G.P.)
0191 569 9777 or self-refer to your chosen maternity unit by
https://chsft.nhs.uk ringing and asking to have your care there.
Specialist Services Available at this Hospital How to find Sunderland Royal Hospital
Obstetric Consultant-led By Metro: Sunderland train station is
Alongside / Co-located MLU approximately 1½ miles away. Metro
Homebirth stations are not marked on the maps.
The nearest Metro station for Sunderland
Fetal Medicine Doctors
Royal Hospital is Millfield on Hylton
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Road. It is approximately a ten-minute
Diabetes Specialist / Link Midwife walk from the station to the hospital.
Drug & Alcohol Support
By Bus: Please check public transport
Clinic for women with a history of
information with Traveline (0870 608 2608)
previous loss early pregnancy
for up-to-date advice on all bus, train
Bereavement Service and metro services in the area.
Vunerable adults clinic
Raised Body Mass Index (BMI) Support Parking: Dedicated parking for patients
and visitors is available at Chester Wing
Support for women who have had
and Hylton Road car parks. You are also
caesarean section but want a natural birth
welcome to park in any car park space
Alternative pain relief which is not labelled “staff only”.
Postnatal ward with the opportunity
for partner to stay over Disabled Parking: Disabled parking
Epidural Service is available free of charge for Blue
Badge holders in designated ‘disabled’
Stop smoking service
spaces in our hospital car parks.
page 30You can also read
