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Original poster

New birthing centre at Royal Infirmary

48 replies

auchinlay · 04/04/2011 12:52

I am pregnant (due in September) and moving to Edinburgh in August. I read online [http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/hospitals/birthingcentre/default.asp] that there is a new birthing centre due to open in the summer, which sounds great, but I see it has already been delayed. Does anyone know when it should open, and is there anyone here that wants to give birth there?

OP posts:

tiokiko · 20/09/2011 11:56

I wonder what's going on? I like the signs of life... I have three weeks to go so am hopping you spot more than a bottle of iced tea soon!

Thanks for the updates.

PamSco · 20/09/2011 14:42

Maybe the first test for getting in to the unit (past the very strict criteria) is lock breaking?

tiokiko · 20/09/2011 15:57

Yes, if you can't work out the secret entry code then you're classed as high risk - that's one way to keep the new place looking shiny and clean!

CatherinaJTV · 20/09/2011 21:04

tiokiko

I will go to the Simpson reception tomorrow and ask when doors open in the Birth centre - will post...

CatherinaJTV · 21/09/2011 14:13

Lights on today, jacket still there, ice tea gone, reception unmanned, doors still closed, Simpson's reception has NO idea when the birth centre will open. One of the ladies had been on vacation last week and was surprised that the centre hadn't opened in the week she was away and was equally surprised that she hadn't had an update waiting for her upon her return...

Will keep you posted

PamSco · 21/09/2011 17:10

I asked at my scan appt yesterday and got a shrug - and the comment that since I won't meet the criteria I need not worry. Shucks thanks.

tiokiko · 23/09/2011 13:09

I can't believe all this money has been spent and it's still not open - crazy! Sounds weird that Simpson's reception don't even know what's happening.

Will wait for updates with baited breath and crossed legs (due in 2 weeks)!

TheWicketKeeperIsDown · 24/09/2011 11:11

My friend is due on Monday and had been hoping to give birth there but has been told it won't be happening.

tiokiko · 24/09/2011 12:54

Have just found this from the Scotsman earlier this week - seems like it is a red tape/employment issue rather than anything else - this is absolutely scandalous:

"The opening of the new unit at Little France has been delayed because of problems between NHS Lothian and PFI partner Consort. It is understood the 12 midwives who will work there are already on the staff of NHS Lothian.

As recommended, NHS Lothian does not employ midwives to work in neo-natal units to carry out largely nursing jobs, whereas other health boards do. This could push up the number seen to be employed but who are not working directly in maternity."

PamSco · 25/09/2011 10:21

Thanks for the article. I'm trying to connect those 2 paragraphs? It doesn't seem to explain why it wouldn't be open.

tiokiko · 25/09/2011 12:11

Sorry yes, I didn't mean to include the 2nd para - cut & paste error.

Essentially it sounds like the unit is there and ready to go, the staff are there and ready to go but some sort of bureaucracy is stopping them opening the doors. In the meantime Simpson's continues to be over-stretched and women who want to use the centre can't - frustrating.

PamSco · 25/09/2011 12:31

Oh tiokiko I wasn't commenting on your post - but the article itself isn't clear. I think you are right - some unknown bureaucracy.

CatherinaJTV · 25/09/2011 12:39

it certainly looks ready... what a waste of money if they don't open soon!

tiokiko · 27/09/2011 12:41

Am seeing MW tomorrow so will ask her if there are any updates.

CatherinaJTV · 28/09/2011 09:11

things are moving along, while the doors are still closed, there are now sofas in the waiting area, the reception has unpacked the chair, there is a computer, a printer, two pictures on the wall...cannot be much longer :)

tiokiko · 28/09/2011 15:50

Two different people have told me today that it's opening on Monday 3rd - one was my MW other was a friend who was told by a MW from Simpsons.

Staff are going in over the next few days to get everything sorted before opening properly on Monday.

MW thinks my baby might come sooner rather than later though, but am sure it won't be that soon - we'll see!

PamSco · 28/09/2011 17:56

Fingers crossed you get in tiokiko

OhBuggerandArse · 03/10/2011 11:51

BBC report on the opening here.

tiokiko · 03/10/2011 12:47

Great news - thanks for the link. It sounds great, really hope I am able to use it!

Groovee · 03/10/2011 13:24

According to the evening news it's opened this morning

Peachybee81 · 13/10/2011 12:39

Hello
I know it still early days but does anyone have any experience of the new birthing center yet? I am due in Feb and, fingers crossed, if everything goes well plan on giving birth there. However would like to have access to birthing pool, etc and would like to know if each room has one and what has availability been like so far.
Thanks x

purdyscot · 17/10/2011 23:23

@Peachybee81
I had my son in the new birthing centre a couple of weeks ago - it's beautiful (and so is he)! There are 6 really nice, spacious rooms all of which have soft lighting, birthing pools, balls, cushions, comfy sofabeds for dads / birthing partners, etc. The midwives were fantastic and together with the lovely, relaxing environment helped make it a truly wonderful experience. All the best with the rest of your pregnancy and hope all goes well for you in Feb. HTH.

BeeMyBaby · 26/10/2011 06:43

purdy Did they let you stay in the suite for a while after giving birth, or did they move you on quite quickly?

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