Contact Details
You can contact us through the Torbay Hospital switchboard on 0300 456 8000 (local rate) or 01803 614567, or via the feedback page on this website.

Maternity - Postnatal/Antenatal Ward

Maternity Unit Level 3
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 654603

John McPherson Ward

This ward is where women are cared for after they have had their baby and antenatally if admission is needed before a birth for pregnancy problems or induction of labour:

  • 20 beds providing care and support for mother and baby.
  • Specialist care and support to women who have special needs following birth
  • Examination of the baby by a Paediatrician or specially trained midwife of all hospital births within 24 hours of delivery.
  • Early discharge within 6 hours.

We are committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

Side rooms/ amenity beds

If you wish to have a single room, such accommodation may be available at a statutory fee. This is limited and the staff may have to move you back to an open ward if the room is needed for a woman on medical grounds. For more information, please ask your midwife.

There is no provision for partners to sleep overnight (except in an emergency).

Visiting Hours

Mornings 9:30am to 12 midday Father/Partner only
(For women who are admitted for induction of labour only 1 nominated birth partner can visit during this time)
Afternoons 2:30pm to 9pm Father/Partner & Mother's own children
2:30pm to 4:30pm
& 6:30pm to 8pm 		General visiting
Ward Closed 12 midday to 2:30pm The ward is closed to all visitors to allow for lunch and a rest period
(Please note that father's with babies on Special Care Baby Unit, or in for Induction of Labour, may still visit during this time. Please be patient as we may take some time to answer the door as we do not always have staff at the desk during this time).
Children Mother's own children may visit during morning and afternoon visiting hours. They must be accompanied by an adult.
No other children under 16 years of age may visit at any time.

All visitors are asked to sign in and out of the ward. A maximum of 3 visitors at any one time per mother is recommended.

Safety and security

The ward is secured at all times. You can play your part by:

  • Asking the identity of any staff who wish to examine your baby.
  • Being present when any examination takes place.
  • Accompanying your baby for any examinations off the ward.
  • Being vigilant at all times and talking to a member of staff if you see anything suspicious.
  • Your baby will be nursed at your bedside day and night. This is called 'rooming in'. Your baby will have two name bands on his/her ankles. If one of these comes off, please report it to a member of staff, so that it can be replaced immediately.

Belongings

A locker is provided to store personal belongings. Please try to keep belongings to a minimum and store them off the floor. This will enable the hotel services staff to clean around your bed area with minimum disruption.

We also advise not to bring valuables into the hospital.

Facilities

Each bedside is fitted with pay TV/ telephone. Some services such as radio and hospital information can be accessed free of charge.

Bounty distributor

The Bounty distributor visits several times a week distributing packs of free baby product samples and literature. Most mothers will receive a pack at the bedside, but if you do not receive one, please ask a member of staff or your team midwife when home for your free pack.

Baby photographer

A photographer visits the postnatal ward and will be happy to photograph your baby. You may wish to bring in a special garment for the baby to wear. The fees for the various photographs are available on request.

Social worker

Pregnancy sometimes gives rise to personal worries and fears. The hospital social worker is available to offer help and advice. Please ask a member of staff to contact them.

Registering the birth

After the birth of your baby you will have six weeks in which to register his/her birth. This can be done by appointment at the Registrar of Births office, preferably at the office in the area of baby's birth.

Going home

The length of your stay in hospital will depend on how you and your baby progress, how confident you feel and the support you have available. Your named midwife will discuss and plan this with you. At home a midwife will visit as necessary until the tenth day after birth, including weekends and bank holidays, and then if all is well, your baby will be transferred to the health visitor.

If you need additional advice or a visit from a midwife up to 28 days after delivery, please contact us using the number supplied, or ring the Maternity Unit on (01803) 654603 (8.30am to 9.30pm). Outside these hours, please ring (01803) 654631.

We strongly recommend taking your baby home in an approved car seat and prior to the baby's birth, it is a good idea for parents to familiarise themselves with the installation of the seat. Securing the seat remains the responsibility of the driver.

General Practitioner & postnatal check

Your family doctor will be informed of the birth. Please make an appointment to see your GP eight weeks after the birth for your postnatal check.

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