Delivery units. From here to maternity

A review of activity in a delivery suite in an acute hospital found that many women were there for reasons unconnected to labour, or because a bed could not be found in the hospital's maternity wards. Midwives have established a two-bed assessment room next to the suite and set up a 24-hour telephone helpline. Women are encouraged to telephone for advice rather than turn up at the unit when they have problems with their pregnancy. These innovations, which have been in operation for a year, are believed to have reduced pressure on the delivery unit.