The project started as a proposal
to extend the existing Maternity block to incorporate
a new midwife-led birthing unit. Feasibility studies and
option appraisals looked at the costs of remodelling the
existing unit to accommodate the new extension, the adequacy
of key links with the related hospital and support services,
and the quality of the refurbished building. The appraisals
showed that a completely new Maternity Unit would offer
the best value solution. This led to a redefinition of
the brief, including the schedule of accommodation, and
the key planning and design relationships. These were
then translated into detailed designs, which were reviewed
with clinical staff, managers, infection control officers
and providers of the support facilities.
Our experience of maternity unit design enabled us to
lead on the formulation and development of operational
policies and the brief. We assisted with the planning
of the building, and ensured that the proposals fitted
with the whole hospital operational policies.
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