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University Maternity Hospital Limerick

Patient Information Booklet

University Maternity Hospital Limerick UMHL

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IntroductIon

Welcome to University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) which forms part of the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health within the University of Limerick Hospital Group.

The aim of this booklet is to provide you with information regarding the services this hospital provides for you and your baby during your pregnancy, labour and postnatal period. We realise that each pregnancy is unique and that women need some information on all aspects of care they may experience during this time. We hope that this booklet gives you the information you need.

The University Maternity Hospital Limerick is one of the busiest Maternity Hospitals in Ireland. It has a large catchment area serving Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North and North Kerry. The hospital is situated on the Ennis Road in Limerick city. This 83-bed hospital provides obstetric, gynaecology and neonatal intensive care services. The University Maternity Hospital Limerick is a training hospital for student midwives and is a designated teaching hospital for medical students from Universities of Limerick, Cork and Galway.

UL Hospitals Corporate Services Mission Statement:

“To provide in partnership with all key stakeholders high quality, value driven, patient centered services based on best practice, research and evidence which is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the service users and providers”

We hope that your stay with us will be a pleasant experience for you, but should you have any issue that we can assist with, please feel free to bring it to the attention of staff on your ward.

If there is any element of your care or the care of your baby that you’re unsure about, feel free to discuss that with your Midwife or indeed your Consultant or their team.

The University Maternity Hospital is a member of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) since April 1998 when BFHI was first introduced in Ireland.

The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is a global campaign by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which recognises that implementing best practice in the maternity service is crucial to the success of programmes to promote breastfeeding. The Initiative was launched in 1991 and there are more than 19,000 hospitals/maternity units in 148 countries worldwide, including over 300 in Europe, that have been officially recognised as Baby Friendly.


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In line with our participation in the Health Promoting Hospitals initiative, the University Maternity Hospital has become a no smoking campus. Inpatients of the hospital who do smoke are advised to speak with a member of the Medical/Midwifery staff that may be able to assist with supports to help you to reduce your smoking during your pregnancy.

Another WHO backed initiative is the Hand Hygiene initiative which is running across all healthcare facilities in Ireland. Hand washing is the single most important action to reduce infection in hospitals. You should feel free to ask any member of clinical staff you interact with if they have washed their hands prior to examining you or your baby.

In our constant drive for improvement, your feedback, good or bad, is most important. To this end, you will be given a feedback form during your stay and we would be delighted if you would complete it. Alternatively, feel free to take it home with you and post it back to us once completed. As an additional choice, you might like to e-mail us with your feedback at [email protected]

Acknowledgement

The University Maternity Hospital would like to thank all those involved in writing and reviewing the information included in this booklet. We reviewed many national publications and websites, along with the help and support provided by our Midwifery, Medical and other healthcare professional colleagues who helped to compile, write and review the information provided.

mailto:[email protected]


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tABLE oF contEntS

Introduction 3

uL Hospital’s corporate Mission Statement 3

the Maternity Services 6

Hospital Layout 7

Visiting 9

Patient Meal Services 10

Security 11

Accounts department 12

chaplaincy Services 12

Shop 13

Antenatal care 13

Parent Education department 15

dept of Physiotherapy 17

clinical Areas of the Hospital 19

A Mothers Guide to Infant Feeding Policy 22

Sepsis Information 26


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The Maternity Services

Under the National Healthcare Charter for Hospital Patients, you have the right to:

• Maternity services, free of charge*, including antenatal care, care during labour and delivery and postnatal care for you and your baby.

• To be treated in a courteous manner, and have your dignity and privacy respected at all times by every member of the hospital staff. You have the right, when your family doctor refers you to the hospital for your first antenatal visit, to be given an individual appointment time.

• To be informed of the name of the consultant under whose care you are, and if you are referred to another consultant, you have the right to be informed of the reasons for such a referral.

• To adequate and comprehensive information in language, which is clear, comprehensive and understandable regarding your pregnancy, labour, delivery and postnatal care.

* Please note:- Under Department of Health Circular 5/93, the following applies in respect of patients who attend their consultant in a private capacity: “Where a patient remains private to the consultant for the out-patient element of a programme of care which includes both out-patient and in-patient treatment (e.g. Obstetrics) the patient is not entitled to opt for public status as an inpatient.”

Maternity and Infant Care Scheme

The pregnant woman should make an application for services under this scheme to her GP. Both the woman and her GP must complete the application.

This application form is then submitted to the HSE for processing. The pregnant woman is entitled, free of charge, to six/seven visits to her GP in pregnancy, one visit two weeks after the birth for the baby and one visit six weeks after the birth for the mother and her baby.

Care in respect of illnesses which are coincidental but not related to pregnancy do not form part of the scheme.


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Confidentiality

You have the right to confidentiality in respect of your obstetric records. If you have a query regarding your current pregnancy or care please discuss with Midwifery/Consultant/Clinic staff. You have the right to request a copy of your obstetric records. This can be done by applying in writing to the hospital’s Business Manager and providing proof of identity.

Consent for treatment

When you are requested to sign “consent for treatment form”, you are entitled to be fully informed of the treatment by a medical doctor.

You may request the presence of a person of your choosing during the process of granting consent.

The consent form you are asked to sign should clearly state the nature of the procedure(s) to be undertaken.

Only in cases where a patient lacks the capacity to give or withhold consent, and where a qualified medical doctor determines the treatment is urgently necessary in order to prevent immediate or imminent harm, may treatment be given without informed consent.

Services in this hospital include:

Antenatal care – Obstetric and Midwife led clinics

Community Midwifery and Early Transfer Service.

Antenatal classes

Breastfeeding skills workshop for pregnant women

Infant feeding clinic

Counselling service

Diabetic Services – provided by a Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner

Colposcopy service

Ultrasound Department


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Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit

Special Care Baby Unit

Physiotherapy

Social worker service

Pastoral Care

There are three floors in the Hospital, with hospital departments located as follows:

Lower ground floor layout

To access the lower ground floor, having entered through the main entrance, you pass the shop and go down the stairs. Keep to the right for the Colposcopy Unit waiting room, Ultrasound Dept, Physiotherapy Dept, Outpatient Dept, Diabetic Midwife Specialist Department.

Ground floor layout

Reception is inside the main entrance. The Maternity Emergency Unit (MEU) and Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) are located to the left of reception.

You enter the main hospital corridor for Midwifery Administration and our Accounts Department. After passing the shop, you are entering the clinical areas, Postnatal Ward Maternity 2 (M2), Neo-Natal Unit (NNU), our Counseling Department and Parent’s room.

Our Social Work department and Midwifery Practice Development Unit are also located on the ground floor.

First floor layout

The Antenatal Ward Maternity 3 (M3), Delivery Suites (including home birthing room), Operating Theatres and Postnatal Ward Maternity 1 (M1) are all located on the first floor.

Car park

There are two car parks in the hospital located at the front and rear.

The car park is for visitors and staff only.


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Security Staff are on duty to ensure that cars are not blocking restricted areas or ambulance access.

Any cars illegally parked may be clamped and/or have a no parking sticker applied to the window.

Directly across from the hospital, the Strand Hotel offer 90 minutes *free car parking.

* correct at time of printing

Telephone system

Hospital reception: 061- 483148/483129

All individual units in UMHL can be dialed directly. To access this facility, please dial (061) 48 + ext no. There is a public telephone (cash) located outside M3.

There are areas in the hospital where the use of mobile phones is prohibited and you will be asked to turn phones off when monitoring equipment is in use.

Smoking policy

As part of a national HSE initiative, UMHL operates a Smoke Free Campus. Smoking is not permitted within the building or anywhere on the grounds of the hospital.

Visiting Hours:

13:30-15:30hrs and 18:30-20:30hrs

09:00-21:00hrs (partners /support person)

We would be grateful if you would observe the hospital visiting hours for friends and family. This is in your own interest. It is important that we have time, without visitors, to carry out your care and provide postnatal education. It is also important that you get time to rest. Visitors are restricted to two per patient.

Please remember if you have large numbers of visitors, you will be disturbing other mothers and babies.

Children of a mother may visit at the discretion of the Clinical Ward Manager between 13:30-15:30 hrs (children must be accompanied by an adult).


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nB – cHILdrEn otHEr tHAn tHE MotHErS oWn ArE not PErMIttEd to VISIt At AnY tIME.

nB – BuGGYS ArE not PErMIttEd on tHE WArdS.

Hand hygiene must be strictly adhered to.

Hand Hygiene is essential on visiting the hospital. All visitors must disinfect their hands by using the alcohol gel on arrival to the hospital and prior to leaving.

Hygiene and cleanliness

In each clinical area there are Ward Attendants, who are assigned to the area to maintain hygiene and cleaning standards. Each room is cleaned on a daily basis. If you have any concerns regarding the standard of your room please inform the Midwife in charge.

Patient meal services

08:00hrs – Breakfast

12:00hrs – Lunch

16:45hrs – Supper

20:00hrs – Tea/Coffee

IF You HAVE AnY SPEcIAL dIEtArY rEQuIrEMEntS PLEASE InForM A MEMBEr oF StAFF on AdMISSIon to tHE WArd.

Food safety regulations do not allow us to reheat food brought in from outside.

The catering department operates on a three week menu cycle and this ensures there is an excellent food choice and all requests for special diets are facilitated. A menu card will be provided to you each day to facilitate your requests. The food provided is for inpatients of the hospital only.

All meals are plated in the main kitchen of the hospital and transported to each ward in a heated food trolley with a built in HACCP data recording system.

HACCP, or the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system, is a process control system that identifies where hazards might occur in the food production process and puts into place stringent actions to take to prevent the hazards from occurring. By strictly monitoring and controlling each step of the process, there is less chance for hazards to occur.


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This advanced meal delivery system ensures that our clients are receiving high quality moist food at the best possible food temperature at the point of service – all served on a single attractive tray with matching crockery.

The lunch menu offers a choice of a hot or cold starter, a choice of three main courses one of which is a vegetarian option and a choice of hot or cold dessert.

The evening meal offers a choice of a hot or cold meal or a sandwich of your choosing. There are also a selection of yogurts and fresh fruit available.

A slice of home produced baking is included on each tray at this meal service which can be kept for tea/coffee which is served at 20:00hrs.

Security

The safety and security of both you and your baby is of prime concern to us. ‘Rooming-in’ is the practice in this hospital, so your baby remains with you at all times, with the exception of babies in our Neo Natal Unit.

All baby care is carried out at the bedside in your presence.

Do not allow anyone to separate you from your baby unless you are certain of his or her identity and the reason for the separation.

Following the birth of your baby an infant security tag is attached to your baby’s leg and stays on until discharge from the hospital.

PLEASE InForM tHE MIdWIFE IF tHE SEcurItY tAG BEcoMES dEtAcHEd.

Do not leave the ward without informing a member of midwifery staff.

Ask a relative to watch the baby for you should you have to leave the ward.

Personal Belongings

The hospital authorities do not accept responsibility for personal belongings. Women are advised to send valuables home. Please ensure that you take all property home with you on discharge. We do not keep personal belongings in the hospital after you are discharged home.


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Accounts Department

Tel: (061) 483195 (061) 483120

Opening hours: 09:00-13:00hrs/14:00-17:00hrs, Monday to Friday

The staff in the accounts department will be available to deal with any query you may have regarding you hospital bill.

Private patients

Women who attend a Consultant Obstetrician as a private patient may incur other expenses e.g. pathology/radiology fees. Babies born to women who are private patients of the Obstetrician are liable for Consultant Neonatologist fees.

Private accommodation

There is no booking system for private accommodation therefore private accommodation cannot be guaranteed for any patient. The rooms are available on a “first come, first served” basis. You may be asked to vacate your private room during your stay for infection control reasons.

Rooms are expected to be vacated by 11:00hrs on the day of discharge.

Pastoral Care Services

Services provided

Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland clergy provide pastoral care services.

Holy Communion for patients wishing avail of this service is distributed on Sundays and first Fridays

Patients of other denominations may ask a member of staff to contact their religious minister.

There is an Oratory located within the hospital outside the Neo Natal Unit.


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Shop

The shop is located on the first floor.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday from 09:00-21:00hrs.

Opening hours: Sundays/Bank Holidays 09:00-17:00hrs.

Newspapers, magazines, sweets and flowers as well as post natal requirements are on sale.

Tea, coffee, caffeine free drinks, sandwiches, cakes and gluten free products are also available.

Outpatient Antenatal Care

Hospital Antenatal Clinics (Limerick): Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings and afternoons.

Antenatal Clinic Kileely: Monday 09:30 - 12:30 hrs.

Antenatal Clinic Southill: Wednesday 09:30 – 11:00hrs

Ennis Hospital Antenatal Clinic: Wednesday afternoon.

Clinics are staffed by Doctors and Midwives from the University Maternity Hospital.

First appointments are made when we receive a referral letter from your GP. The date and time of appointment will be sent to you by post. On this first appointment your medical history will be discussed, blood tests taken and an ultrasound scan performed.

For patients who will be attending the antenatal clinics at Ennis Hospital, your first appointment will be at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (medical history taken by Midwife and an ultrasound scan performed with an appointment arranged for the following week in Ennis Hospital, where you will meet a doctor and have your blood tests taken).

You must contact the Antenatal Clinic receptionist if you are unable to keep an appointment in which case an alternative appointment will be given to you.

Tel No: 061 483132


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Your First Visit

First visits will last approximately 2 to 2½ hours. Your personal, medical and obstetric details will be recorded.

You will be examined by a doctor.

Blood tests will be done:

o To check your blood group, Rhesus factor and antibody screen and to detect if any abnormal antibodies are present in your blood.

o Your immunity to Rubella (german measles) and Variella (chicken pox) will be checked.

o Blood tests for Syphilis, Hepatitis and HIV are offered.

o HIV infection is rare but can be present without the person knowing it and can have serious affects on your baby if not treated during your pregnancy.

Your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and urine will be checked and a second sterile urine sample will be sent to the laboratory.

An ultrasound scan will be done.

A full bladder is necessary in early pregnancy for scanning so please bring bottled water with you to drink

You will be given a “combined care card” which is filled in at each clinic visit, inpatient admission and at your GP’s surgery. Please keep this card safe and bring it to all visits to your GP and any hospital visits (including any attendance to hospital even if not related to your pregnancy).

You will be given advice regarding antenatal classes.

Follow up visits

Follow up visits take less time.

Your blood pressure and urine will be checked and you will have an abdominal examination at each visit.


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If you have any concern with regard to your pregnancy please inform Midwifery staff at the beginning of your visit.

Appointment times are given with each visit and while we strive to run on time, unfortunately delays can occur.

Please ensure, at the end of each visit, that you return to reception for an appointment date and time for your next visit.

All women are encouraged to make out a birth plan outlining their wishes for labour and delivery. A printed birth plan will be provided to you to complete. This should be discussed with your Midwife at your antenatal clinic visit.

Midwives Clinic

The hospital provides a Midwives clinic. The doctor will see you on your first visit and refer you to the Midwives clinic if suitable. The Midwife will see you on follow up visits. However, should any problems arise you will be referred to the Doctor by the Midwife. If you have any queries do not hesitate to speak with the Midwife or Doctor. There are also Community Midwife Clinics in Kileely and Southill.

Antenatal Clinic Staff

Consultant Obstetricians, Registrars, Senior House Officers, Medical Students, Clinical Midwife Managers, Midwives, Student Midwives, Social Workers, Ultrasonographers and Clerical Officers all form part of the Antenatal Clinic Staff.

Parent Education Department

The Parent Education Midwives provide antenatal classes in Limerick and Ennis. Teenage pregnancy classes and infant feeding support are also provided.

Location of classes in Limerick

Antenatal classes in Limerick are held in the Parent Education Centre (located at the back of the hospital in the grey prefab).


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Enrolment / Class 1, Limerick : Held every Friday at 13:45hrs. You are encouraged to attend this first class in early pregnancy preferably before 20 weeks gestation. You only have to attend on one Friday. Enrolment and booking for further classes take place during this first class. Bookings are not taken over the phone as first classes are on every Friday afternoon. This is a full class lasting 2 to 2½ hrs. The remaining four classes are attended later in pregnancy.

Topics covered at classes include: Pregnancy, care of the newborn, breastfeeding, labour (including a tour of the birthing suites) and maternal recovery.

Times of classes in Limerick

Monday at 11:00hrs (including Bank Holidays)

Tuesday at 18:30hrs

Wednesday at 14:00hrs and 18:30 hrs

Location of classes in Clare

Ennis Hospital on Mondays and Wednesdays at 18:30hrs.

Antenatal Classes for Clare are held in the Cardiac Rehab Unit at Ennis Hospital.

Booking in - Class 1, Clare: dates and times available at all consultants rooms and hospital clinics – Monday and Wednesday evenings at 18:30hrs.

In each venue, the midwife and the physiotherapist conduct the antenatal classes.

Each class is 2 – 2½ hrs in length.

The class is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Physiotherapy session

Short Break after Physiotherapy

Part 2: Midwife talk on the subject of that week


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Breast feeding Skills Workshop

The Breastfeeding Skills Workshop is run on the first Thursday of each month for women in late pregnancy. This is provided as an additional resource for women who plan to breastfeed and is aimed at demonstrating practical tips, with discussion, around feeding your newborn baby. No booking is required.

Time 10:30hrs – 13:00hrs Location: Parent Education Centre. (Located at back of Maternity hospital in Prefab unit)

Infant feeding clinic

These clinics are held every Tuesday from 14:00hrs to 16:00hrs at UMHL Antenatal clinic and also in the nurses home building in Ennis on a Monday afternoon from 13:30-16:00hrs.

Local antenatal classes may also be available. Ask your public health nurse for details.

Dept of Physiotherapy

The department of physiotherapy is located on the lower ground floor of the hospital beside the ultrasound waiting room.

Tel: (061) 483161

Services are available between 09:00hrs and 16:30hrs Monday to Friday.

An emergency respiratory (chest care) service is available if required out of hours.

The department is linked with the physiotherapy service at University Hospital Limerick and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital

Services Provided:

Antenatal classes

Antenatal advice and education classes are provided in conjunction with the Parentcraft team.

This includes information and practical sessions on the following topics:

Back care, exercise, prevention and management of minor problems of pregnancy

Pelvic floor exercises for preventing incontinence


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Breathing and positioning for different stages of labour

Non-invasive pain management e.g. Tens, relaxation, Perineal massage, post natal advice

Individual Consultation

This is available by appointment. You can contact the department of physiotherapy directly if you require a consultation and we will issue an appointment as soon as we can, depending on the demand at that particular time.

The following conditions can benefit from physiotherapy treatment and advice:

Pregnancy related pelvic girdle dysfunction and low back pain

Pregnancy related wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome)

Incontinence

Physiotherapy Postnatal care

We aim to see each patient individually during her hospital stay for assessment and advice.

Follow-up treatment is available if required and is based on each patient’s individual need.

If you return home and notice you have symptoms that require assessment you can contact us directly up to tWo MontHS after your baby is born.

nB If you have any symptoms of incontinence, i.e. involuntary leaking of urine or faeces, please let us know.

Early treatment is advisable.

If your baby requires any physiotherapy input your doctor will refer him or her to us.

Postnatal Pilates Class

The Postnatal Pilates class is held every Tuesday at 12 midday (except for public holidays) and is open to all women who have had their six-week check up.

Babies are welcome to the classes.


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Quality Assurance

We aim to provide the highest standard of physiotherapy care to our patients. If you have any comments, suggestions or complaints regarding our service, we will be happy to discuss them with you.

Clinical Areas of the Hospital

Maternity Emergency Unit (MEU)

The MEU is situated on the ground floor of the hospital to the left of Reception and can accommodate up to six women at any one time.

Phone (061 483144 / 061 483177)

Please phone ahead if coming to MEU, as this helps us to locate charts and plan for your arrival.

The aim of the MEU is to provide a welcoming supportive environment for prospective parents and to ensure appropriate accurate advice and information is given. Professional care is provided with respect for individual informed choice.

reasons to contact the MEu:

• If you are draining fluid or think you have a fluid leak.

• If you are experiencing regular contractions. the Midwife will ask you the frequency/length of the contractions/if you have any fluid loss, bleeding or discharge (take note what time your waters broke).

• the midwife will ask you about the baby’s movement (reduced fetal movements -less than 10 kicks in 12 hours).

• Vaginal bleeding at any time during the pregnancy. If you have any bright red bleeding the MEu should be contacted immediately. the midwife will ask you if you have pain and will assess the amount of bleeding (e.g. if you soak a pad).

• If you have any cause for concern or you need reassurance.

As we deal not only with elective admissions, but also with emergencies, you are encouraged when possible to attend your GP and he/she will refer you to the MEU if necessary.


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In the MEU, women are assessed and examined by a midwife and doctor. The routine admission procedure takes place in the Unit.

Pregnancy must be confirmed by your GP prior to referral to the hospital (i.e. a positive pregnancy test).

When attending the MEU you may not be seen in order of arrival. PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO EMERGENCIES AND YOU MAY HAVE TO WAIT SOME TIME. Please be assured that you will be attended to as soon as possible. At all times you will be informed of what is happening. The Midwife will check your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate, she will check what way the baby is lying and check the baby’s heart rate and will record it for at least 20 to 30 minutes with a machine called a Cardiotocography (CTG) machine. This machine can also record contractions and by pressing a little button when you feel movements it can record this as well. You will be provided with a set of yellow CTG belts on your first attendance to the unit. Please remember to bring the yellow belts given to you on future visits as they will be used for further monitoring during your pregnancy.

The MEU is a unit that caters for women requiring privacy and this necessitates that accompanying partner/relative may be asked to wait in the waiting area for a short period. When the midwife has completed an initial assessment and appropriate monitoring is in place your partner is then invited back into the unit to accompany you. There is also a coffee shop beyond the fire doors to the right of reception where relatives can have refreshments if they so wish. If you are being admitted to the hospital you partner/relative will be able to accompany you to the ward.

It is advisable to bring a small overnight bag to the MEU containing nightwear, dressing gown, slippers, underwear and sanitary pads. The larger suitcase will not be needed in the MEU and can be brought to the ward later.

Early Pregnancy Assessment unit (EPAu)telephone number 061 483198

The EPAU has been developed to provide an environment that gives safe, effective, sensitive and quality service to women who have a confirmed positive pregnancy test with vaginal bleeding and/or pain in early pregnancy (pregnancy up to 12 weeks gestation).

The EPAU is staffed by a designated Midwife, Ultrasonographer, Registrar and Clerical Officer.


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The unit is open Monday – Friday 14:00-17:00hrs and a designated appointment time is provided. Women who are less than 12 weeks gestation with vaginal bleeding/or abdominal pain can be referred by their GP, another hospital or by self referral following phone contact.

Presently the EPAU is situated in the MEU, beside the Main Reception of the hospital.

The ultrasound department:

This department is located on the lower ground floor near the antenatal clinic (tel 061 483169).

This department provides inpatients and outpatients with ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The ultrasound department is a busy department. A queuing system is in place but some emergency patients will take priority.

Outpatients present to the antenatal clinic (through their GP) on their first visit at approximately 12-14 weeks gestation. During this visit you will have your first scan.

Women are also referred to the scan room from the MEU at any stage in pregnancy (as requested by the doctor).

The scan determines the following:

• The gestational age (this is the number of weeks from conception) of the baby is established by ultrasound using certain measurements.

• Confirmation of fetal heart.

• Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.

• Further scans will be performed on an individual basis, if requested by a doctor during your pregnancy.

The scan shows the following:

• The position of the baby (head down – cephalic, or bottom down - breech).

• Fetal Heart

• The growth of the baby


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• If movement of baby is seen during the scan time

• The position of the placenta (afterbirth)

• If the baby is surrounded by enough amniotic fluid

Diabetes Service:

Advanced Midwife Practioner in Diabetes (AMP)

The Advanced Midwife Practioner in Diabetes is situated on the lower ground floor beside the antenatal clinic (tel 061 483481).

Service provided:

The AMP provides outpatient and inpatient, diabetes and midwifery care during the antenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods for the following women:

• Women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

• Women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who are planning a pregnancy

• Pregnant women with Type 1 Diabetes

• Pregnant women with Type 2 Diabetes

• All newly diagnosed women with gestational diabetes are provided with structured Group education sessions on gestational diabetes, facilitated by our ANP in Diabetes.

This Midwifery service is provided in collaboration with the Consultant Obstetrician, the Consultant Endocrinologist and Dieticians at UMHL for high risk pregnancies.

A Mothers Guide to Infant Feeding Policy

The HSE are committed to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding because it is the healthiest way for you to feed your baby and breastfeeding has important health benefits for you and your baby.

These guidelines support the ten steps to successful breastfeeding (WHO 1989) and the National criteria for a Baby Friendly Hospital (2007).


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There is a National Infant Feeding Policy and all staff are trained in their role regarding the policy.

During your pregnancy you will be able to discuss the importance and management of breastfeeding, labour and birthing practices at antenatal visits, antenatal classes or in the antenatal ward if admitted to hospital during your pregnancy.

Following the birth of your baby we encourage you to hold your baby with skin-to-skin contact for at least an hour in an unhurried environment.

The midwife looking after you will assist you and your baby with the first breastfeed and help you to recognise when your baby is ready to breastfeed.

You will be given further assistance with feeding within six hours and continued support will be provided during your stay in hospital. A care plan will be developed as required to assist you in establishing breastfeeding.

Baby led feeding is practiced for all babies. In the early days your baby will need to be woken if sleepy or if your breasts become overfull. When your baby has finished feeding on one side, offer the second breast. Breastfeeding at night is encouraged as there is a greater release of prolactin (milk producing hormone) during night-time feeding.

The midwife will show you how to express your milk by hand and with a pump if necessary. You will receive written information on expressing and storing breast milk.

Your baby will remain with you at all times (this is called rooming in). If separation is necessary (e.g. if your baby is admitted to special care baby unit), you will be given help and support to breastfeed.

No extra fluids will be given to your baby unless medically indicated.

The use of teats/dummies/soothers is discouraged while breastfeeding is being established.

Before discharge from hospital you will be given advice and written information on the breastfeeding support available from the Hospital Feeding Clinic, the local community Breastfeeding support groups and the contact phone numbers for help and support with breastfeeding.

Breast milk alone is recommended for your baby’s first six months. With the addition of suitable weaning foods, breast milk will continue to give health benefits up to two years and beyond (“Breastfeeding in Ireland: A Five Year Strategic Action Plan” DOH&C, Oct 2005).


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For mothers who choose to bottle feed, instructions on formula feeding are provided after you have had your baby. You will be given an opportunity to prepare a feed prior to discharge.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global quality initiative set up by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations children’s Fund (UNICEF) to promote protect and support breastfeeding.

The University Maternity Hospital received the Irish Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Award in 2004 and this was endorsed in 2011.

A full copy of the national Infant Feeding Policy and associated guidelines are available on all wards.

Antenatal Ward (MATERNITY 3)

Phone number (061) 483139 (061) 483167

PAY PHONE LOCATED OUTSIDE WARD phone number (061) 454014

The Antenatal ward is located on the top floor to the right of the stairs.

The antenatal ward is known as Maternity 3 (M3). A friendly and caring team will take care of you during your stay here. At all times, to maintain confidentiality, you are advised that information about any patient will not be given over the phone.

Accommodation: 29 beds

All rooms have an en-suite and T.V.

5 single Rooms.

2x3 bed Public Rooms

1x2 bed Semi-Private Room

3x5 bed Public Rooms


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The 3 bedded room and single rooms maybe used for mothers who have a threatened miscarriage, a miscarriage or stillbirth. The Midwifery staff are very sensitive to the needs of this group of women and their families and will accommodate them in every way possible. During this time you will be seen by the doctors and midwifery staff while you are an inpatient. Your care will be planned accordingly and we will endeavour to answer all your questions answered and discussed care options with you.

On admission to M3 you will be brought to your bed and shown the call bell. You will be introduced to the other women if you are in shared accommodation.

Visitors are requested to leave the room during doctor’s rounds. This is to ensure privacy and confidentiality to all women.

Some women are with us in M3 for long periods of time and we particularly encourage them to occupy themselves by reading, craft work, art, puzzles or cards which are available on the ward. These women may wear outdoor clothes during their stay if they wish.

You may be asked to turn off your mobile phone while fetal monitoring is in progress.

On discharge from M3, all pregnant women are given an information sheet. An appointment for the antenatal clinic will be given and the Combined Antenatal Card is completed and returned to you.

Private patients will contact their Consultant’s Private Rooms for an appointment.

The discharge procedure may take some time to complete. Please be assured that the staff will complete this process as quickly as possible.

The staff will give you any information regarding antenatal classes and if your obstetric condition allows, women can attend them while inpatients. It is hoped that your stay with us will be a happy and healthy occasion.

Understanding serious infection in Pregnancy and following birth

Infection in pregnancy or after your baby’s birth should never be taken lightly. In rare circumstances, even when you are usually healthy, you can become critically ill very quickly from serious infection or sepsis. Infection can progress to a more serious situation where infection spreads to the blood stream and occurs throughout the body, this is known as “Sepsis”.


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definition of sepsis:Sepsis is a severe infection which affects the entire body, the first signs are usually a rise in your temperature, heart rate and breathing, you may also feel unwell, have chills and flu-type symptoms, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. This can progress very quickly in rare circumstances to a potentially life threatening condition.

timing of serious infections: When am I more likely to get an infection or sepsis:

Sepsis in pregnancy most commonly occurs between December and April often preceded by a sore throat or other upper respiratory tract infection. Sepsis may happen in pregnancy or after your baby is born. The risk of getting an infection is increased in the following circumstances:

• After having a miscarriage or a D&C• If your waters have broken early and or gone for more than 24 hours before your baby

was born• If you develop a urinary tract infection• If your baby was born prematurely • After you have had your baby - this is the most common time for serious infection

(septic illness) to develop; in particular if you had your baby by caesarean section, by forceps or vacuum, or if you had a third degree tear (large tear to your perineum).

How can sepsis during, before or after childbirth be prevented?

Good personal hygiene, daily showers/baths, proper hand washing and drying, perineal hygiene to include keeping the perineal area clean, dry and frequent maternity pad changes, these measures may prevent infection that could lead to sepsis.

When should I contact the doctor?

You should contact your GP or the MEU immediately if feeling concerned, unwell and/or if you notice any of the following during pregnancy or after your baby is born:

• Sore throat or chest infection • Urinary tract infections, pain/ burning on passing urine• Genital tract infection (vaginal/uterine infection) leading to vaginal

discharge which may be foul smelling and/or an unusual change in colour• Abdominal pain that doesn’t seem to be getting better• Chills, flu type symptoms• Diarrhoea• Sudden increase in vaginal bleeding postnatally• After a caesarean section if your scar becomes red and painful


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It is important that you complete any course of antibiotics that you are prescribed during pregnancy and the postnatal period. This may prevent more serious infection developing.

Care During Labour

Labour and Delivery Suite

The Labour and Delivery Suite is located on the top floor. It consists of seven birthing rooms including a home birthing room and has two operating theatres.

We welcome one person to stay with you during labour and birth. You should have this planned and discussed prior to admission. He or she may be asked to leave for short periods. It is not a “must” (you may wish to be alone)

to have somebody with you. Research has shown evidence that having a companion in labour may reduce a woman’s need for medicated pain relief. The Midwife will be with you at all times.

Please remove nail polish/acrylic nails prior to admission

It is important for us to be able to observe the nail bed is pink and nail varnish and acrylic nails will interfere with this.

A continuous tracing of your baby’s heartbeat is necessary if you:

• Have an epidural

• Have contractions stimulated by a syntocinon drip

• If you have certain conditions such as raised blood pressure, premature labour, twins/triplets or if the doctor /midwife deems it necessary to have your labour monitored

Home Birthing Suite

This is a purpose designed and furnished suite to provide a home from home atmosphere for mothers wishing to avail of it. The suite has complete back up specialist service and equipment readily available should complications occur. If you wish to avail of this facility, you may discuss it at the clinic or at the antenatal classes. You will be assessed for suitability


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to use this room on admission to the labour ward. If the room is in use the midwives will provide the same style of care in any of the delivery rooms. You are welcome to view the Home Birthing Room to arrange a visit please ask at your next antenatal appointment for a staff member to contact the Labour Ward to arrange it for you.

Enquiries

The Labour Ward is a very busy area and constant telephone calls to the Labour Ward can have an impact on the provision of Midwifery care. The Midwives are unable to give any information via telephone for reasons of confidentiality.

Please advise your relatives and friends that no calls will be accepted in the Labour Ward. Your partner/support person will keep the people you wish to be informed up to date. Mobile phones must be turned off in the Labour Ward as they may interfere with hospital equipment.

Birth plan

You may have a written birth plan stating your preferences for varying aspects of your labour and birth. Please bring the birth plan with you (complete it in advance of labour so you can discuss it with us during the antenatal period).

What to bring with you to the labour ward:

For mother:

• Loose fitting, comfortable nightwear

• Dressing gown and slippers

• Face cloth, panties (disposable are useful), and maternity sanitary towels

• Lip salve, relaxation CD or music that you find relaxing

• Tens machine, if it is your chosen method of pain relief

For the baby:

• Disposable nappy

Coping with labour


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Your midwife will advise you on various ways to assist you to deal with your labour. If your labour is uncomplicated, you may move around as you wish in the delivery room. You will be facilitated to use relaxation techniques, birthing ball, tens machine.

Other options for pain relief in labour:

• Entonox (“gas and air”) is suitable for all stages of labour, taken via mask or mouth piece and administered by yourself.

• Injection (pethidine)

• Epidural

All of the above are more fully discussed in the pain relief booklets produced by the hospital available from the antenatal classes or clinic.

Epidural Anaesthesia

There is 24 hour Anaesthetic Registrar cover with a Consultant Anaesthetist on call. You will be given intravenous fluids, through a drip during the epidural and your blood pressure will be taken regularly. Your baby’s heartbeat will be continuously monitored. You will be confined to bed during labour and for six hours following the birth.

The administration of the epidural anaesthesia is an aseptic procedure. Therefore, the person that is accompanying you for your birth will be asked to wait outside the labour ward while it is being performed.

Birth/Delivery

We encourage you to adopt the position you find most comfortable. We hope that you will have a normal birth. Sometimes it is necessary to deliver the baby by vacuum, forceps or caesarean section. If any of these modes of delivery are indicated the staff will explain the reason to you.

Skin-to-skin contact between Mother and Baby:

Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately following the birth of your baby. Studies show this to be very important, not only does it keep baby warm, it calms baby, regulates both baby’s breathing and heartbeat and helps baby with its first feed.


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Infant feeding:

Breastfeeding is initiated as soon as baby shows signs of readiness to feed which is usually within 30 to 60 minutes after birth. Midwives encourage all mothers to breastfeed their babies. Mothers who are unable or who do not wish to breastfeed will be supported to bottle feed their babies, on the postnatal ward.

Baby name bands and infant security tagging

Following birth, all babies will have a security tag and two name bands applied. These name bands will be checked with the parents. Name bands will match those on mother’s wrist.

All babies are electronically tagged for the duration of their stay in the hospital and this security tag will only be removed on discharge. If the labels or security tag fall off or become damaged for any reason, please inform the midwife.

Theatre

Caesarean Sections and minor gynaecological procedures are performed in theatre.

Procedure in theatre for elective surgery

Prior to arrival in theatre all jewellery, make up (including nail varnish), false tan, false nails, must be removed to enable accurate monitoring throughout the procedure.

• The mother usually walks from her ward accompanied by her partner and midwife.

• You are greeted on arrival to theatre by one of the theatre midwives/nurses, who will be with you throughout the operation.

• Your name band and pre-operative list are checked and signed in your healthcare records. You will be given a small drink of medication (Sodium Citrate), to reduce stomach acidity.


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• You are then brought into the theatre.

• Your baby’s heart rate is checked and monitors attached.

• An intravenous drip will be commenced.

• Most Caesarean Sections are performed under spinal anaesthesia which means you are awake. Your partner will be allowed into the theatre at the discretion of the obstetrician and anaesthetist. This can be discussed prior to surgery.

• If a general anaesthetic is required, your partner will not be allowed into the theatre during this time.

• A urinary catheter will be inserted into your bladder following the anaesthetic.

• Baby/babies will be checked and tagged (name bands and electronic security tag applied). Skin-to-skin is facilitated following the surgery when both mother and baby are medically well. A midwife will assist you with breastfeeding in the recovery room.

• You will be moved from the operating theatre to the recovery area where you will rest with your baby. When the Anaesthetist and theatre staff are satisfied with your condition you and your baby will be transferred to the post natal ward, accompanied by a midwife/nurse and your partner.

• Use of mobile phones/cameras is not permitted in the operating theatre. However, photos may be taken in the recovery area.

Postnatal wards:

There are two post natal wards in the maternity.

Maternity 2 (M2) on the ground floor (tel 061 483154)

Maternity 1 (M1) on the first floor (tel 061 483191)

Accommodation:

27 beds in each ward

5 private rooms on M1 and 4 Private Rooms on M2

3 semi-private rooms (2 beds in each)


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4 Public rooms (4 beds in each room)

All rooms are en-suite with a TV

M1 has a wheelchair accessible toilet

Postnatal care:

Rooming in

It is best if your baby stays with you in the hospital at all times which includes sleeping with you in the same room (called rooming in). This is recommended as it helps bonding and as you learn how to care for your baby this will help build your confidence also.

Every day during your postnatal stay you will be seen and attended to by a midwife. The role of the Midwife is to:

• Check that you are recovering well from the birth

• Check that the baby is doing well

• Facilitate parent education (baby bathing and feeding)

• Answer any queries that you may have

Prior to discharge home the midwife will give you information on immunisation, birth registration, family planning, self-care and baby care advice.

The midwife will answer any questions you may have.

A doctor will be available to you on a daily basis to deal with any problems/issues that the midwife cannot assist you with.

Vitamin K information

Vitamin K is given to babies in the University Maternity Hospital. Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting.

All new-born babies have low levels of vitamin K in their blood because:

• Not enough vitamin K has passed from the mother to the baby via the placenta.

• There is a low level of vitamin K in breast milk.


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• Babies are born without bacteria in the gut which is required to make vitamin K. As your baby starts to feed and the gut matures over the first three to six months. As part of this development the baby begins to produce their own vitamin K.

How do we give vitamin K

The most common way is by a single injection in the thigh muscle soon after birth.

Vitamin K can also be given by mouth if this way is chosen. The first dose is given at birth, the second between three and five days and the third dose in the fourth week if the baby is fully breastfed.

Giving vitamin K to a new-born baby can prevent a very serious health problem.

Health and medical authorities recommend that all babies be given vitamin K at birth. As with any treatment parents will be asked for consent.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is important because it helps our bodies use calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Children (and adults) in Ireland have low levels of vitamin D which can lead to weak bones. In severe cases, low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets (weakening or softening of bones) in children. There has been an increase in the number of cases of rickets in Ireland in recent years.

Research is also showing that vitamin D plays an important role in helping the immune system. It may also help prevent illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis as well as some forms of cancer.

recommendation: To ensure that ALL babies get enough vitamin D they should be given 5 micrograms (5μg) of vitamin D

3 every day from birth to 12 months, whether

breastfed or formula fed or taking solid foods.

For more information visit www.hse.ie

Baby bath:

You will be shown how to care for your infant’s skin by ‘topping and tailing’ and then when your baby is 24 hours old you will be shown how to bath your baby before discharge from hospital.

http://www.hse.ie/


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Cord care – see guideline leaflet

Your Baby’s Hearing Screening Test

We will offer your baby a routine hearing screening test before your baby is discharged from hospital. This test uses quick and simple methods to check the hearing of all newborn babies.

Why screen my baby’s hearing?

One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with a hearing loss in one or both ears. It is not easy to identify that a young baby has a hearing loss. This hearing screening test will allow those babies who do have a hearing loss to be identified early. Early identification is known to be important for the development of the child. It also means that support and information can be provided to parents at an early stage.

What does the hearing screening test involve?

• A trained hearing screener carries out the hearing test.

• The test is called Automated Otacoustic Emissions (AOAE).

• The AOAE screening test only takes a few minutes. You can stay with your baby while the screening test is done.

When will I get the results of the hearing screening test?

We will give you the results at the time of the screening test. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s result contact the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.

Baby exam before discharge from hospital:

Before you are discharged from hospital a paediatrician will examine your baby. Do not forget to inform him/her of any family history of illness or disorders that may not be recorded in your hospital notes.

Newborn Bloodspot Screening

Newborn Bloodspot Screening (heel prick) is a metabolic screening process carried out on each baby between 72 -120 hours following delivery. This is a very important but simple blood test that is done on your baby to establish if he/she has any rare/serious condition. If such a condition is present, this test ensures early treatment can be offered.


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The midwife will advise you further at the time of testing. You will be given information regarding the newborn blood screening and you will be asked to sign the screening card to confirm that you agree to, and understand, the test.

You can read more about these conditions/tests on www.newbornscreening.ie.

For babies who are discharged home early from the hospital the test will be done by the Public Health Nurse/Community Midwife. If the heel prick is due over the weekend or on a Bank Holiday, you will be given a time by the midwife on discharge to return to the ward for the test to be done.

You will be given instructions by your midwife on discharge as to what plan has been made for your baby’s metabolic screening.

It is useful to have baby’s foot warm (extra socks) prior to having this test done.

Length of hospital stay:

For first time mother’s normal birth 2-3 days

For mothers with more than one child normal birth 1-3 days

All mothers who deliver by Caesarean Section 4-5 days.

Community Midwifery Service/Early Transfer Home (ETH)

For women who are in the community catchment area the early transfer home service will be discussed at the first antenatal visit. It will be offered to mothers following uncomplicated births when in the post natal ward. Mothers who live within the designated area who choose to go home within 24-48 hours or mothers who are four days after a Caesarean section will be visited at home by the Community Midwife the day after they are discharged home from hospital up to the eighth post natal day. The Community Midwife will visit the postnatal wards every morning to arrange for suitable mothers and babies to go home.

The role of the Community Midwife is to offer advice, support, guidance, education, and reassurance to mothers to help them cope with their new baby and motherhood. The Midwife will meet the mother’s/parent’s individual needs in the privacy of their own home. The Midwife will support every mother in her choice of infant feeding thus alleviating any worries and anxieties regarding breastfeeding or formula feeding the mother may have.

http://www.newbornscreening.ie


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Community Midwifery service mobile phone numbers:

087/9293585, 087/9293656 available 08:00-16:30hrs daily

Travelling home with your baby

Leaving hospital with your new baby is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. If you are taking your baby home by car or taxi, you must have an appropriate car seat. It is dangerous and illegal to travel without a properly fitted car seat. Babies up to 13 kg (29lbs) must be strapped into a car seat as these provide greater protection for the baby’s head, neck and spine. Never put a rear facing car seat into the front passenger seat of the car where an airbag is fitted. For further information on car safety, please check the website www.rsa.ie.

Public health nurse service

All mothers will receive a visit from their local Public Health Nurse following discharge from hospital. The visit will usually occur within 48 hours of discharge. Your Public Health Nurse will offer advice on the development of your baby.

Neonatal Unit (NNU)

The Neo Natal Unit is situated on the ground floor to the right of M2 (tel 061 48 3172/3137).

Parents may telephone the unit at any time.

The Neonatal Unit is a 19 cot unit which is comprised of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, our High Dependency Unit and our Special Care Baby Unit. Here, we care for the critically ill, premature and unwell newborn infants.

At first the NNU unit may seem frightening and impersonal to you but behind all the technology there is a very caring approach. On entering the unit you will see a lot of equipment, incubators, monitors, ventilators but the Neonatal Nurse/Midwife will explain the purpose of all items of equipment around your baby.


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When you are visiting in the unit we ask that you stay at your baby’s incubator or cot and respect the privacy of neighbouring babies by not going over to their incubator or cot. To maintain confidentiality we are not permitted to discuss or give information to you about other babies on the unit.

the unit is staffed with a caring team of:

Consultant Neonatologists, Neonatal Registrars, Senior House Officers, Clinical Midwifery Managers Grade 3, Grade 2, Grade 1, Neonatal Staff Midwives/Nurses, Student Midwives, Ward Attendants and Clerical staff.

Parents are encouraged to become involved in the care for their baby where appropriate. Feeding, changing nappies, mouth care, skin care and skin-to-skin contact when possible will comfort your baby. Sick babies will be nursed without clothing so that they can be observed.

Quiet hour in the NNU

Each afternoon, we attempt to reduce light intensity, noise level, midwifery/nursing and medical procedures to a minimum. This is undertaken to allow your baby to relax and sleep.

Additional support is available if required from:

The Counselling Midwife

The Hospital Social Worker

The Physiotherapists

The Lactation Consultants

Lactation room on site

Facilities are available for breastfeeding mums in the lactation room.

Electrical breast pumps, electric sterilisers, fridges and freezers for storage of breast milk are available.


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Breastfeeding

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies and contributes to their healthy growth and development. Breastfeeding support is provided in the NNU.

We promote and support breastfeeding and all members of the midwifery/nursing and medical teams provide information on breastfeeding. If breast milk is deemed medically essential, the unit can use donor expressed milk from the milk bank with maternal permission.

Formula feeding:

Mothers who choose to formula feed their babies are given a choice of formula feed. The midwife will inform you of the range of formula feeds available. Neonatal Nurses/Midwives will provide you with support when formula feeding your baby.

Parents Room:

Mothers of ill babies can stay in the parents room. The room consists of two sofa beds for overnight stay, a fridge and tea making facilities. This room is situated in the NNU opposite the lactation room.

The hospital canteen may be used for meals at times displayed.

Vitamin K

It is hospital policy, as is the practice nationally to give vitamin k to all babies admitted to NNU. Refer to page 33 for information on Vitamin K.

Transfer of babies:

Babies, who require specialised treatment not available locally, may need to be transferred to another hospital. The most frequent reasons for transfer include heart conditions or requirement for surgery. Babies who require surgery are transferred to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin or University Children’s Hospital, Temple Street for assessment, management and surgery.

The baby is transported by ambulance in a specially designed incubator and is accompanied by a Neonatal Nurse/Midwife and/or doctor.

Babies may also be transferred to the Rainbow Ward of our Paediatric Unit at University Hospital Limerick for ongoing care. These transfers may occur by taxi using a hospital car seat if deemed suitable by the Consultant.


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Visiting Code for the Neonatal Unit.

• Parents are encouraged to visit their baby.

• No visiting is allowed during nursing handover report time/daily ward round from 07:30 to 10:00hrs and from 19:30 to 20:30hrs for confidentiality reasons. You may have to wait on the corridor of the unit if the handover/ward round is still ongoing.

• Visiting after 22:00hrs is only facilitated in exceptional circumstances to allow quiet time for the babies.

• Press the intercom button once only and wait for a reply. Please do not enter the neonatal unit until instructed by a member of the neonatal staff.

• Please switch off mobile phones on entering the neonatal unit.

• Use the hand gel provided at the entrances to each area of the unit.

• Information on babies will be given to parents only.

• Visitors must respect the visiting code.

The Counselling Department

The Counselling Department (tel: 061 483196 or e-mail: [email protected]) is situated on the ground floor to the right of M2. It is located in the neonatal unit.

Mission statement

‘We aim to develop and sustain a nurturing and supportive environment, for bereaved women/couples and their families which is sensitive and responsive to their needs. Professional counselling is offered to bereaved women/couples on an individual basis and this service is provided with equity, warmth, empathy, and genuineness’.

Services Provided:

The Bereavement Counselling Midwife provides counselling on request for women/couples attending the UMHL following miscarriage, if a baby dies around the time of birth, if a baby is born with a disability or any other crisis that may occur in pregnancy.

When attending the antenatal clinic or during your stay in hospital you may ask the midwife or doctor to contact the Bereavement Counselling Midwife for an appointment

mailto:[email protected]


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if you wish to avail of her services.

The Bereavement Counselling Midwife will also provide bereavement counselling for women/couples following discharge from hospital.

The Social Work Department:

Telephone number 061 /483152

Services Provided:

The Social Worker provides a free, professional service to those attending this hospital and offers support and advice on individual and family difficulties. The service provides support and assistance for:

• Unplanned/crisis pregnancy

• Relationship difficulties

• Social isolation and lack of family support

• Advice on social welfare entitlements

• Issues concerning guardianship, access, custody and registration of baby’s name

• Domestic violence or other instances of abuse

• Alcohol and/or drug abuse problems

• Mental health

• Queries regarding fostering or adoption

The community support networks which are utilised frequently by the Social Worker are:

• Public Health Nurses

• Department of Social and Family Affairs

• Area Social Workers

• General Practitioners

• Barnardos in Southill and Moyross

• Clarecare Social Services Ennis

• The Community Mothers Programme in both Limerick and Nenagh

• The Treoir Organisation for unmarried parents in Dublin


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The Colposcopy Clinic

The Colposcopy Clinic (tel 061 483111/3113) is located in a self-contained area on the lower ground floor in UMHL. The clinic is part of the outpatients service for the HSE west Region.

Facilities:

The Unit comprises of six rooms with a nearby bathroom and waiting room, offices which facilitate privacy in taking details and or counselling women. The two clinic rooms are equipped with the most modern technology to facilitate outpatient treatment on the day a woman attends for her appointment. Three Consultant Gynaecologists, an Advance Nurse Practitioner and specialist nurses with an interest in colposcopy facilitate clinics in this department.

Services Provided:

Colposcopy examination following referral from GP/Family Planning Clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cervical cells.

Information and advice.

The Clinic has been established as a centre of excellence in its role as the treatment service for the first phase of the Irish Cervical Screening Programme.

Hospital Dining Room

The dining room is located on the lower ground floor of the Hospital and is open to members of the public during the day. It is closed at night. Patients are asked not to go to the dining room.

Opening times of the Dining Room:

09:30 - 11:00hrs Tea/Coffee/Snacks

12:30 - 13:45hrs Lunch


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Complaints, Suggestions and Comments

We hope that your stay with us will be a happy and satisfying experience for you. If you have any complaints or concerns about your care, food or hygiene please inform a member of staff immediately.

You are welcome to leave any comments or suggestions you may have in our Hygiene Comments/Suggestions boxes, one of which is located at the front and rear entrances to the hospital.

If you have a complaint about you or your baby’s care we would appreciate hearing from you. Please speak to the ward manager or your Consultant. If you prefer, you can put your complaint in writing to the:

Directorate General Manager’s Office

University Maternity Hospital

Ennis Road

Limerick

All complaints will be investigated and you will receive a written reply or we may invite you to meet with us to discuss your issues further.

We are very interested in your views on your care so we value any comments you would like to make.

Thank you and we hope you enjoy your time with us.

(March 2015)


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Patient Information BookletUniversity Maternity Hospital Limerick

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