A further update on works to our Central Delivery Suite

The Central Delivery Suite and Triage at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) is nearing the end of its £2.5 million refurbishment as the area is updated and modernised.

The works, which began in May 2022 include a full refurbishment of the suite’s birthing rooms, as well as the creation of a new welcoming reception and waiting area, and the opening of our first Midwifery Led Birth Centre. The delivery suite will include a fully-equipped Obstetric Observation Area to support women who need additional observations and a large well equipped Triage department to support all our women and families.
 
Whilst Midwifery-led Maternity services have been around for a little while, this will mark the first time this has been possible at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
 
If mums-to-be are fit and healthy and are expected to deliver without complication, the new area provides a more comfortable and home-like environment, with the option of a birthing pool. If mum and baby encounter any issues, they can be swiftly transferred to the Obstetric service, which is in a neighbouring area.
 
The area is expected to be complete in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the temporary Central Delivery Suite is currently situated on level 3 of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
 
In addition to the new facilities, the team has taken the opportunity to upgrade the area’s general infrastructure, including the placement of new windows, ceilings, flooring, ventilation, heating, fire precautions and much more.
 
The project is being overseen by the Capital Planning Unit, which is part of the Recovery, Innovation and Transformation directorate. Andy White, Head of Capital Infrastructure, said: “The former environment of the Central Delivery Suite did not meet the needs of our women and their families or the expectation of Better Births report commissioned by NHS England. The refurbishment and modernisation of the area will provide choice for our women and improve the patient experience we offer.
 
“Furthermore, the changes we are making will also have a direct impact on the working life of colleagues within the Trust, and specifically our midwives, and this will have a positive effect upon the quality and safety of care provided. It is fantastic to see our progress, and we will soon have a modern unit which offers the very best service for local people.”
 
In addition to the upcoming refurbishments, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is currently fundraising to create a specialist bereavement suite, also to be sited within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Known as the ‘Serenity Appeal’, individuals can find out more, and how to donate, by heading to https://dbthcharity.co.uk/serenity-appeal