Midwife unit at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital moved after leak causes water damage

The midwife unit at an Aberdeen hospital has been forced to relocate, after a leak caused water damage.

The unit at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (AMH) has relocated into the labour ward, with repairs expected to take six weeks.

However, the midwife unit’s birthing pool could not be moved and will be unavailable until restoration work is complete.

NHS Grampian assured that the team will still offer “the same high standard of midwife-led care”.

The midwife unit at AMH houses two birthing rooms and two postnatal rooms, with approximately 30 babies born there per month.

“I – and the whole team – take supporting choice during birth extremely seriously and we are disappointed to not be able to offer a birthing pool at AMH at present,” said Liz Cheung, interim associate chief midwife.

“However, the safety of patients and staff is our top priority. We are working closely with our colleagues in Facilities and Estates to ensure the repairs required can be made as quickly as possible.

“Anyone approaching their due date, with plans to give birth in the midwife unit, should be assured the team will continue to provide the same care in their temporary home within labour ward.”

Repair work will involve erecting a tent in the internal courtyard next to the midwife unit.

NHS Grampian said that this is to ensure dust and debris is contained, and window closures will not have to be enforced at AMH.

Ms Cheung added: “I want to express my thanks to everyone working at AMH. The whole team has come together, to support those working in the midwife unit, and to ensure services run as smoothly as they can.

“I am very grateful to all staff for their efforts to date.”