Maternity unit proposal Image Hazle McCormack Young LLP/Lee Evans Partnership
A three storey, new build extension and refurbishment of the Maternity Unit at QEQM Hospital in Margate will create a second obstetrics theatre, more delivery rooms, a relocated special care baby unit, bereavement suite and associated support spaces..
In May maternity services at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Margate were rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
But the inspection also found that the outdated hospital buildings meant some clinical areas and labour rooms were too small and lacked en-suite facilities.
The Trust was given £1.8m to progress a business case for the development of the maternity unit at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, to increase the size of labour rooms and provide a second obstetric theatre for caesarean sections.
NHS outsourcing company 2Gether Support Solutions has applied for planning permission to carry out the works which will also include a new car park area and a new sub-station for the power requirements of the maternity unit.
Image Hazle McCormack Young LLP/Lee Evans Partnership
Most of the existing spaces fall well below the recommended sizes with existing delivery rooms approximately 50% smaller that the recommended area which limits access for the clinical team, patient and supporting equipment during a birth.
Documents submitted by Lee Evans Partnership say: “In the maternity unit’s current configuration, if the single theatre is out of action patents have to be taken a considerable distance through the hospital streets whilst in labour to the main operating theatres.
“It is therefore vital to have a second theatre to avoid these issues and improve privacy and dignity of patients.”
The document adds: “The project will enhance the existing maternity services at the QEQM Hospital and provide patients and staff with a high quality clinical unit.
“A car park is proposed alongside the maternity extension, to replace the car parking lost to the extension. In addition, a substation/plant compound that will support the power requirements of the maternity unit.”
The existing maternity building was constructed in 1966. The new plans also include refurbishing the current delivery area and rebuilding the rooftop plantroom.
Image Hazle McCormack Young LLP/Lee Evans Partnership
Planning documents prepared by Hazle McCormack Young LLP highlight that the maternity unit is currently housed “within some of the poorest estate across the Trust” and previous Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections determined that “the design, maintenance and use of facilities, premises and equipment did not always keep women, birthing people and babies safe.”
The current Delivery Suite (Labour Ward) is described as “not fit for purpose,” as is the current Special Care Baby Unit, which planning documents say has had “ongoing risks associated with infection control compliance and an aging ventilation system.”
An independent investigation in 2022 into preventable baby deaths at the Trust also noted the challenges presented by the current facilities and infrastructure, and the impact this had on both patients and staff.
Image Hazle McCormack Young LLP/Lee Evans Partnership
The vacated Special Care Baby Unit will undergo a light refurbishment to create office accommodation for administrative staff, establish a dedicated simulation/training suite and provide additional storage, freeing up space in the neighbouring Birchington Ward.
The project will result in two Obstetrics Theatres with support facilitates in the new extension; three recovery bed bays adjacent to theatres; staff changing and rest area for theatre and delivery staff and bereavement suite at ground floor close to delivery rooms and theatres with its own discrete entrance.
Work will also remodel and enlarge existing delivery rooms and relocate the existing special care baby unit (SCBU) to new first floor accommodation in the extension.
The aim of the project is to create “clinical spaces fit for 21″ century healthcare provision.”
Plans can be seen on Thanet council’s planning portal, reference F/TH/25/1150