Maternity – Postnatal

Women’s Health Unit
Level 3
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

For all urgent concerns or questions please call the maternity triage phone on 01803 656588.

John MacPherson Ward

This ward is where women are cared for during antenatal admissions for pregnancy problems or induction of labour and after they have had their baby.

The ward provides:

  • 19 beds providing care and support for mother and baby.
  • Specialist care for women and babies who require special support following birth.
  • Breastfeeding support with a dedicated Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife.
  • Examination of the baby by a Paediatrician or specially trained midwife of all hospital births, within 72 hours of the birth.
  • Early discharge from 2 hours onwards (this discharge may be from delivery suite).

We also provide a Transitional Care package which is shared between our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and John MacPherson ward. This is for babies that are well but requiring extra monitoring. Mothers will be able to remain with their baby at all times.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours for the Maternity Unit, along with our visiting policy, visitor information and parking.

Safety and security

The ward is secured at all times. You can play your part by:

  • Being present when any examination takes place.
  • Asking the identity of any staff who wish to examine your baby.
  • Accompanying your baby for any examinations off the ward.
  • Being vigilant at all times and talking to a member of staff if you see anything suspicious.
  • Your baby will be nursed at your bedside day and night. This is called ‘rooming in’. Your baby will have two name bands on his/her ankles. If one of these comes off, please report it to a member of staff, so that it can be replaced immediately.

Belongings

Please try to keep belongings to a minimum and store them off the floor. This will enable the hotel services staff to clean around your bed area with minimum disruption.

We also advise not to bring valuables into the hospital.

Registering the birth

After the birth of your baby you will have six weeks in which to register his/her birth. This can be done by appointment at the Registrar of Births office, preferably at the office in the area of baby’s birth.

Going home

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. Your named midwife will discuss and plan this with you. At home a midwife will visit as necessary until the tenth day after birth, and then if all is well, your baby will be transferred to the care of a health visitor.

If you need additional advice from a midwife up to 28 days after the birth of your baby, please contact your community team. For urgent queries please call the maternity triage line on 01803 656588. In the event of an emergency please dial 999.

We strongly recommend taking your baby home in an approved car seat. Prior to the baby’s birth, it is a good idea for parents to familiarise themselves with the installation of the seat. Securing the seat remains the responsibility of the driver.

General Practitioner and postnatal check

Your family doctor will be informed of the birth. Please make an appointment to see your GP 6-8 weeks after the birth for your postnatal check.

Devon Perinatal Pelvic Health Service

The Devon Perinatal Pelvic Health Service cares for people from pregnancy to 12 months after having a baby. The service has been set up to provide support, advice and treatment for those with or at higher risk of pelvic health concerns in Devon. You can self-refer into the service or talk to your midwife.

More information is available on the Devon Perinatal Pelvic Health Service website.