The maternity and neonatal units at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital are currently undergoing a 12-week closure for urgent refurbishment. This closure, which started on September 2, is essential for improvement works, with a £1 million investment aimed at ensuring the future of both units and maintaining safe and effective care for families in the long term.
During this period, the hospital will not have maternity or neonatal specialists on-site. Families are advised not to access the accident and emergency department if they suspect they are in labour. Instead, they should have already arranged with their community midwife where the birth will take place. It is crucial for those with concerns to contact the Maternity Priority Unit at Prince Charles Hospital for urgent issues.
To provide alternative care options, families can choose from four other centres: Prince Charles Hospital, Singleton Hospital, Tirion Freestanding Birth Centre, and University Hospital of Wales. The health board emphasised the importance of prearranged plans for birth, especially for those who have booked births at other hospitals.
While inconvenience is inevitable during this closure, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of both mothers and babies. The health board’s proactive communication and guidance aim to minimise disruptions and provide necessary support to families affected by the temporary closure.
For more updates and information on health and Covid-related news, individuals can sign up for newsletters to stay informed during these challenging times. The overarching goal is to maintain the quality of care despite the temporary closure and to ensure smooth transitions for families seeking maternity and neonatal services during this period of essential refurbishment.